Effect of soil moisture on crop disease resistance

Effect of excessive soil moisture on crop disease resistance Beneficial to the reproduction of pathogenic fungi Most pathogenic fungi require a water film on the surface of the plant so that their spores can germinate and invade to cause diseases. Rainfall, condensation or fog can meet this condition. When there is too much soil moisture and high humidity, a water film will form on the surface of the plant, which is conducive to the germination and invasion of pathogenic fungal spores. For example, in some areas with high humidity, plant fungal diseases are relatively more common.

Affecting crop growth and weakening disease resistance Excessive soil moisture will affect the aeration of the soil, resulting in the inhibition of crop root respiration and poor root growth, thereby affecting the crop's absorption and transportation of nutrients, making the plant grow weak and reducing disease resistance. If there is too much soil moisture for a long time, the crop root system will be deprived of oxygen, causing root rot, affecting the overall health of the plant and increasing the chance of infection.

The effect of too little soil moisture on crop disease resistance Reduce crop physiological activity When there is too little soil moisture, crop roots have difficulty absorbing water, which will lead to a decrease in water content in crop cells, a reduction in cell volume, and affect the normal growth and physiological metabolism of crops. For example, photosynthesis and respiration will be inhibited, causing slow growth and development of crops, short plants, and reduced disease resistance.

Destroy crop tissue integrity A continuously dry environment will make the epidermal tissue of crops fragile and vulnerable to invasion by external pathogens. At the same time, dryness may also cause damage such as cracking of crop leaves, providing a path for pathogens to invade and increasing the possibility of disease.

The effect of suitable soil moisture on crop disease resistance Maintain normal physiological functions of crops Suitable soil moisture can ensure that crop roots absorb water and nutrients normally, maintain the normal progress of crop photosynthesis, respiration and other physiological processes, make crops grow strong, and thus improve the disease resistance of crops themselves. For example, under suitable moisture conditions, the degree of silicification of crop epidermis is normal, which can enhance resistance to diseases.

Influence on the balance of microbial communities Suitable soil moisture helps maintain the balance of microbial communities in the soil. Some beneficial microorganisms can inhibit plant pathogens and reduce infection through repeated parasitism, antibiotics and competition, or improve plant disease resistance through certain effects on plants. When soil moisture is appropriate, these beneficial microorganisms can survive and reproduce better and play their role in disease prevention.