Objectives and goals

For their treatment there are limited licensed active substances [of the group of benzimidazole (e.g. Benomyl) and triophanate methyl (e.g. Neo-Topsin)], as well as microorganisms that compete with pathogens, while their fight in biological farming is very difficult. Fungi are controlled by disinfecting the soil and removing the affected plants. Due to the magnitude of the problem, crop rotation (e.g. cereals) is practiced in pathogenic soils, a practice that cannot be used in greenhouses. Despite the efforts of the producers the problem is reduced but usually not completely eliminated. The main reason is that the overwintering organs of the fungi (microsclerotia, mycelium) remain in the soil for more than 10 years. Therefore, no matter how many of the above measures are taken, it is common for them to reappear in a short period of time.

Today the most successful way to control adromycoses is the selection of resistant varieties or hybrids and the application of competitive microorganisms in the soil. However, with the above practices, the reduction in production is limited to 10-20% in tomato and 25-30% in eggplant, depending on the severity and extent of infestation. Therefore, in Greece as well as worldwide, the means available for the control of road infestations cannot eliminate both the losses in production and the degradation of quality.