Summary
This study examined how long-term fertilisation strategy (organic versus mineral) influences soil suppressiveness against the plant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and shapes the structure and function of soil and rhizosphere microbiota in lettuce. Organic fertilisation history paradoxically increased pathogen spread whilst enriching potential plant-beneficial fungi (Talaromyces) and inducing stronger defence responses in lettuce shoots; however, these defence investments came at a cost to plant growth when the pathogen was present, exemplifying a growth–defence trade-off.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK horticultural systems, particularly lettuce and brassica production, where R. solani remains a significant soil-borne constraint. The apparent suppressive effect of long-term mineral fertilisation on pathogen spread contrasts with broader soil health narratives and merits investigation in UK-specific pedoclimatic contexts and under organic certification constraints.
Key measures
Soil suppressiveness bioassays; 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 amplicon sequencing; defence-related gene expression in lettuce shoots; plant biomass; pathogen incidence
Outcomes reported
The study assessed soil suppressiveness against Rhizoctonia solani under different fertilisation histories and characterised changes in bulk soil, root-associated soil and rhizosphere microbiota (bacterial and fungal communities) in response to pathogen inoculation. Plant defence gene expression and growth responses were measured under pathogenic pressure.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.