Induction of Systemic Resistance in Plants by Biochar, a Soil-Applied Carbon Sequestering Agent

Abstract

Biochar is the solid coproduct of biomass pyrolysis, a technique used for carbon-negative production of second-generation biofuels. The biochar can be applied as a soil amendment, where it permanently sequesters carbon from the atmosphere as well as improves soil tilth, nutrient retention, and crop productivity. In addition to its other benefits in soil, we found that soil-applied biochar induces systemic resistance to the foliar fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Leveillula taurica (powdery mildew) on pepper and tomato and to the broad mite pest (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks) on pepper. Levels of 1 to 5% biochar in a soil and a coconut fiber-tuff potting medium were found to be significantly effective at suppressing both diseases in leaves of different ages. In long-term tests (105 days), pepper powdery mildew was significantly less severe in the biochar-treated plants than in the plants from the unamended controls although, during the final 25 days, the rate of disease development in the treatments and controls was similar. Possible biochar-related elicitors of systemic induced resistance are discussed.

Potential of Fusarium wilt-inducing chlamydospores, in vitro behaviour in root exudates and physiology of tomato in biochar and compost amended soil

“…Biochar application not only improves crop productivity by modifying the soil structure, pH, cation exchange capacity, porosity, water holding capacity and by increasing the nutrient retention and availability but also stimulates the plant defence system through biochar-borne elicitor chemicals (Sohi et al 2010;Elad et al 2010). However, in some studies different biochar types (depending on feedstock and pyrolysis temperature) have been reported to negatively affect crop yield, soil properties and beneficial soil microbiota (Mukherjee and Lal 2014).…”

“…Jaiswal et al (2014Jaiswal et al ( , 2015 demonstrated the dependency of the disease suppressing ability of different biochars on the feedstock and production parameters. Biochar-induced systemic resistance was documented against gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and powdery mildew (Oidiopsis sicula) on pepper and tomato (Elad et al 2010). Recently, Jaiswal et al (2015) reported that the biochar application suppresses damping off (Rhizoctonia solani) on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seedlings.…”

Biochar: Pyrogenic Carbon for Agricultural Use - A Critical Review

“…Elad et al (2010) and Harel et al (2012) reported on positive effects of biochar on decreasing foliar fungal infections in tomatoes, pepper and strawberry. Improved plant responses to diseases can be yet another benefit of applying biochar to soil (Elad et al, 2011).…”

Viability of Trichoderma harzianum Grown on Different Carrier Formulation

“…This can be seen in the formulations G, wherein the formulation without the addition of nutrients may result in nutrient limitation. According Kresnawaty et al [11] on biocharcoal carbon available in the form of crystals and aromatic making it difficult to use by the fungus, while the germination of the fungus requires C and N. Elad et al [18] reported that biocharcoal in low doses (1%-5%) contain residual tars compound which have been found to aid seeds germination and trigger the growth of microorganisms and have biocidal properties.…”