Effect of Soil Amendments on Numbers of Soil Microorganisms and on the Root Rot-Fusarium Wilt Complex of Peas

Abstract

SummaryThe possibility of controlling Fusarium and Pythium in soil by blood and bone meal supplement, and the effect of this and other amendments on the root rot-Fusarium wilt complex of peas was investigated in laboratory and glasshouse experiments. Blood and bone meal was found to stimulate the growth not only of bacteria and actinomycetes, but also of Fusarium and Pythium. When crude chitin was added to soil, the numbers of Pythium increased. It was shown that in liquid cultures P. ultimum is able to utilize chitin as a nutrient source.Blood and bone meal added to soil at the time of planting did not significantly decrease wilting of peas, but the fungicide Dexon decreased wilting and significantly increased the height of pea plants.