We can control plant pathogens primarily through the use of chemicals designed to inhibit their growth or kill them directly.
These chemical controls, including bactericides, fungicides, and nematicides, offer a direct method for managing plant diseases. They can be applied to various parts of the plant, including seeds, foliage, flowers, fruit, or the surrounding soil, depending on the pathogen and the specific chemical.
Here's a breakdown of common strategies:
- Chemical Control:
- Bactericides: Target bacterial plant pathogens.
- Fungicides: Target fungal plant pathogens (the most common type of plant disease).
- Nematicides: Target nematode plant pathogens.
- Chemicals are applied to different plant parts depending on the pathogen involved and can include preventative or curative applications.
