A sustainable solution for tomato disease management
Researchers at the University of Brasília have demonstrated that sewage sludge biochar (SSB) can be effectively paired with the beneficial fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum to suppress Agroathelia rolfsii, a destructive soil-borne pathogen affecting tomato plants. Published in Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, the study provides new insights into eco-friendly disease control using biochar-microbe synergy.
How the study was conducted
In laboratory and greenhouse experiments, the team tested various combinations of SSB and T. afroharzianum against A. rolfsii. The dual treatment achieved a 70% reduction in the pathogen’s mycelial growth, significantly outperforming individual treatments. Tomato seedlings exposed to the combined treatment displayed stronger resistance and enhanced biomass.
Key findings
- 70% suppression of A. rolfsii mycelial growth
- 135% increase in root dry weight
- 27% increase in shoot biomass
These results confirm that the SSB–Trichoderma combination not only combats the pathogen but also stimulates overall plant vigor.
Why it matters
The use of sewage sludge biochar offers a sustainable approach to recycling waste materials while supporting soil health. When combined with beneficial fungi like Trichoderma afroharzianum, it creates a natural defense mechanism that strengthens crops against soil pathogens, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
Future outlook
The authors suggest that future field studies and dosage optimizations could enhance the practical use of this biochar-microbe system for larger-scale tomato cultivation and potentially other crops.
Reference
de Araujo, A. S., Blum, L. E. B., Andrade, D. V. N., da Silva Júnior, P. B., Lustosa Filho, J. F., & Figueiredo, C. C. de. (2025). Sewage sludge biochar with Trichoderma afroharzianum for control of Agroathelia rolfsii in tomato seedlings. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 132(6), 173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-025-01167-1
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