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

Abstract

The 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.