Medicinal plants for suppressing soil-borne plant diseases

Abstract

Abstract Most plants exhibit inhibitory and stimulatory biochemical interactions with other plants and microorganisms, referred to as “allelopathy.” Especially, through root exudates, higher plants are able to affect the microfiora in the rhizosphere. Production of biological active substances by higher plants that prevent phytopathogens (bacteria, fungi, and nema-todes) from infecting crops has been reported (Yoshihara et al. 1988; Schenk et al. 1991). In addition, many species of plants which have been widely used for medicinal purpose also exert an allelopathic effect (Fujii et al. 1991).