Department of Vegetable Crops

Project period
2020 - Ongoing

Effect of biochar and vermicompost on the occurrence of "yellow wilting" on lamb's lettuce

Climate change and changes in land use have resulted in more soil-borne diseases, especially those caused by fungi. One of these diseases is "yellow wilting" on lamb's lettuce (Valerianella locusta), which is increasingly threatening the existence of European growers. The cause of "yellow wilting" is still largely unknown. As of now, no satisfactory or practical control measures have been achieved, even after numerous trials, including changes in abiotic conditions, variety selection, and numerous soil additives. The positive effect of vermicompost and biochar on soil-borne pathogens has been demonstrated in many scientific studies. The current study is based on the ability of organic soil conditioners to suppress soil-borne pathogens.