Fungal disease suppression by inorganic salts: A review

Comparative Efficacy of Potassium Salts Against Soil-borne and Air-borne Fungi and Their Ability to Suppress Tomato Wilt and Fruit Rots

“…In the same manner, foliage spays of sodium or potassium bicarbonates led to decreased powdery mildew severity (Leveillula taurica) in pepper plants [23]. These salts were eventually registered as pesticide ingredients in the USA and as a horticultural fungicide in the UK [19,24] and they exhibit antifungal properties when applied as foliar sprays at concentrations between 5 and 20 g/l [19]. Multiple mechanisms are possibly involved in the registered antifungal effect of bicarbonate salts, such as pH elevation on the leaf surface [25] and collapse of fungal cell walls due to K + imbalance or dehydration of fungal spores [26].…”

“…Several organic and inorganic salts have been widely used for suppression of fungal pathogens on various crops (open field and protected) responsible for various diseases on different plant organs and growth stages [19]. Importantly, these salts have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity with low mammalian toxicity, possess biocompatibility [16,17], and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).…”

“…Dipotassium hydrogenphosphate (DPHP) is among the most studied phosphate salts for their antifungal properties [19]. Reuveni et al, [27] described phosphates as ideal candidates for fungal disease management as they are fast absorbed by the plant, they have high mobility within tissues and have low cost nutrient source.…”

“…Reuveni et al, [27] described phosphates as ideal candidates for fungal disease management as they are fast absorbed by the plant, they have high mobility within tissues and have low cost nutrient source. Furthermore, phosphates exhibit antifungal activity through the induction of systemic acquired resistance; thus, providing long-lasting plant protection and are also effective against many fungal pathogens [19].…”

Phosphite as phosphorus source to grain yield of common bean plants grown in soils under low or adequate phosphate availability

“…Typic Haplustox) that are characterized by low natural fertility, especially by phosphorus (P) deprivation to plant nutrition. Phosphate anion (H 2 PO 4 -, HPO 4 2-and PO 4 3-) is major P form metabolized by plants for their adequate growth and development (NOVAIS;SMYTH, 1999;TICCONI et al, 2001), while phosphite anion (H 2 PO 3 -and HPO 3 2-) is used as fungicide to control some important plant diseases, such as Phytophthora sp (DELIOPOULOS et al, 2010).…”