Root rot is a major problem for Panax notoginseng, a medicinal plant widely grown in Asia. Current treatments, such as crop rotation and chemical pesticides, are either time-consuming or harmful to the environment. A recent study explores an alternative solution: combining biochar with the biocontrol agent Chaetomium globosum YIM PH30719 to reduce root rot incidence.

The study conducted a pot experiment using P. notoginseng cultivated in soil for 10 years. Biochar, derived from tobacco stems, was applied in varying amounts alongside C. globosum. Results showed that the combined treatment significantly reduced root rot, lowering incidence from 65.4% to just 5.6%. This reduction was linked to improved soil conditions, such as increased pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More, organic matter, and nutrient content, as well as a boost in beneficial fungal diversity. Notably, Chaetomium and Trichoderma populations increased, while harmful pathogens like Fusarium and Alternaria decreased.

This synergistic approach of using biochar and C. globosum enhanced the plant’s defense against root rot by altering soil characteristics and fungal communities. The findings suggest that this method could not only help P. notoginseng but may also provide a sustainable solution for managing root rot in other crops.