Summary
This review synthesises the plant pathology and weed science literature on how herbicides—particularly glyphosate—interact with fungal root pathogens and soil microbial communities. The authors document that whilst herbicide use is economically dominant in pest management (representing >67% of pesticide sales), herbicides can alter soil ecosystems and either predispose or protect crops to disease through direct effects on soil microflora. The review highlights an important gap in mainstream weed-management literature, which focuses on direct herbicide effects on weeds and crop yield, whilst neglecting their often-overlooked impacts on soil-borne disease dynamics.
Regional applicability
The review draws primarily on United States pesticide use and market data. The mechanisms of herbicide–pathogen interactions are likely transferable to United Kingdom arable systems, though UK regulatory and agronomic contexts differ; this review would be valuable context for assessing glyphosate's indirect effects on soil health and disease risk in UK cereal production.
Key measures
Literature synthesis on herbicide effects on soil microflora composition, crop disease incidence following herbicide application, and mechanisms of herbicide-pathogen interactions
Outcomes reported
The review documents how herbicides, particularly glyphosate, can alter soil ecosystems through direct effects on soil microflora components and influence disease outcomes in crops. It synthesises literature on interactions between herbicides, microorganisms, and plant diseases with focus on crop predisposition or protection following herbicide use.
Topic tags
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