Logo

Plant Pathology has an important role to play in devising strategies suitable for sustainable agriculture. Some of the important steps to be taken by plant pathologists include the development of eco-friendly mechanisms of disease control through the use of biological resources, enhancing the resistant mechanisms of the plant through molecular means as well as studies on the interactions of biotic and abiotic stressors. The diversity of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms is far more than what we have found out till date and the function of these important microbes in agro-ecosystems is also equally diverse. The ability of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, actinomycetes, plant growth promoting fungi, mycorrhiza, to influence plant growth depends upon the diverse mechanisms like phosphate solubilization, biological nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production, siderophore production, biological control of plant pathogens and direct or indirect induction of disease resistance. Application of these beneficial microorganisms in enriching soil and enhancing crop production will not only change the scenario of using harmful chemical fertilizers but will also open up new dimensions for utilizing microbial resources for sustainable agricultural practices.

The present review covers a wide spectrum of articles which are pertinent in the present day context and gives an indication to readers of the role of plant pathology in the current agricultural scenario.