1986/09/01 by H. A. J. Hoitink, PC Fahy · 3 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases #Plant Disease Management Techniques #Plant Pathogens and Resistance
paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.py.24.090186.000521
openalex publication_date 1986/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Environmental problems caused by disposal of organic wastes in landfills and streams or by incineration have forced man to examine alternative procedures. For example, burning of tree bark was a nuisance because of associated air pollution problems. This waste has now been turned into a resource through development of profitable composting processes and efficient energy retrieval systems. S ludges are removed from waste waters at a major cost to taxpayers and industries to reduce pollution of streams. Compo sting is chosen in creasingly as the least objectionable treatment process for these wastes; thus sludges provide another type of compost. Finally, with the increase in size of farms, the composting process has become a practical procedure for treatment of manures because it allows storage of a stabilized product until a time of year when its market value is highest. I n China, Japan, and other parts of the Orient, composts have been used in agriculture with beneficial effects for years (58). In the West, however, utilization of composts is a relatively recent phenomenon. During the past two decades several reports have discussed suppressive effects of composts to a variety of soilborne plant pathogens. Most of this literature is on ornamental crops. Only a few diseases of vegetable and field crops are controlled with