Response of Cover Crops to Phytopythium vexans, Phytophthora nicotianae, and Rhizoctonia solani, Major Soilborne Pathogens of Woody Ornamentals

Management of plant diseases is a subject concern for researchers as well growers. Different management practices are being developed and used to combat the rising number pathogens, which threaten nursery crop production. Use cover crops sustainable soilborne explored an alternative strategy chemicals. However, potential threat these acting secondary host devastating pathogens has not been described. We studied response major by woody ornamental growers in Southeastern United States Phytopythium vexans, Phytophthora nicotianae, Rhizoctonia solani greenhouse conditions identify effective that can be field production system. Data related post-emergence damping-off growth parameters (plant height increase fresh weight) were recorded. Similarly, roots assessed root rot disease severity using scale 0–100% affected. Among tested crops, grass triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz), legumes Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir) cowpea ‘Iron Clay’ (Vigna unguiculata Walp.), showed lower soil inoculated with P. R. solani, or vexans compared other crops. Since act non-host benefit main one way another, they Further research recommended evaluate their performance natural setting.