A review and critical analysis of the European situation of soilborne disease management in the vegetable sector

This review concentrates on the situation of soilborne disease management on several vegetable crops with the use of different strategies, including host resistance and grafting, with special focus—based on the experience gained in Italy and Europe—on the practical problems encountered after the phaseout of methyl bromide. Special attention is given to the emergence of new diseases or the re-emergence of old ones on several crops, and on the results and problems encountered by using grafting, biofumigation and other non-chemical control methods. The search for effective, economically and environmentally sound methods for soil and substrate disinfestation remains a continuous and challenging task for growers, despite intensive research. The European Regulation No 1107/2009, concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and the European Directive No 2009/128/EC, establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides, requires, by 2014, that all professional users implement the general principles of IPM. Research efforts associated with phaseout of methyl bromide generated new knowledge about the biology, ecology and management of soilborne pathogens and suggested more attention towards crop and soil health.