Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 93-105 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 97 4.2 Resistant varieties and seed treatments The development and use of resistant maize varieties are critical components of integrated disease management strategies. Genetic resistance to Fusarium spp., including Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium graminearum, has been identified and incorporated into breeding programs. However, the commercial availability of highly resistant cultivars remains limited. The use of transgenic insect-resistant maize varieties has also been explored as a means to reduce Fusariuminfection and mycotoxin contamination, as insect damage can facilitate fungal entry into the plant (Munkvold, 2003). Seed treatments with biological control agents offer another layer of protection against Fusarium spp. For example, treating maize seeds with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens or Microbacterium oleovorans has been shown to significantly reduce Fusarium verticillioides colonization in maize seedlings without adversely affecting the soil microbial community (Pereira et al., 2009). These treatments can enhance seedling vigor and reduce the initial inoculum load, providing a crucial early defense against fungal pathogens. 4.3 Soil health and fertility management Maintaining soil health and fertility is vital for the sustainable management of Fusarium and other fungal pathogens. Healthy soils with balanced microbial communities can suppress the growth of pathogenic fungi through competitive exclusion and the production of antifungal compounds. Practices such as residue retention and the use of organic amendments can enhance soil microbial diversity and activity, promoting the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms like fluorescent Pseudomonas andActinomycetes (Govaerts et al., 2008). Fertilization practices also influence Fusarium dynamics in the soil. Intensive fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, can exacerbate Fusariuminfections by creating favorable conditions for fungal growth (Sommermann et al., 2018). Conversely, balanced fertilization that meets crop nutrient requirements without excess can help maintain a healthy soil environment. In long-term studies, conservation tillage combined with appropriate fertilization and crop rotation has been shown to support resilient soil fungal communities, reducing the risk of Fusarium outbreaks (Figure 2) (Henry et al., 2022). Therefore, integrated soil health and fertility management practices are essential for mitigating the impact of Fusarium and other fungal pathogens in maize production systems. Figure 2 Long-term effects of cover crops and tillage practices onFusariumcommunity structure (Adapted from Henry et al., 2022) Image caption: A: Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis of soil Fusarium communities in 2017 and 2018; B: Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis of root and soil Fusarium communities in 2017; C: Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis of root and soil Fusariumcommunities in 2017 (Adapted from Henry et al., 2022)
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