Reducing the Impact of Soil-Borne Diseases in Cropping Systems through Integrated and Sustainable Protection of Major Crops

Rhizoctonia solani AG3 and AG2-2 cause severe root rot in potato, maize, and sugar beet. This work first dissected the pathogen’s epidemiology in crop rotations and measured the effects of Brassicaceae biofumigation on epidemic dynamics. Multi-site field experiments showed that biofumigation alone provided limited disease control but, when combined with cultural and biological methods, delivered yield gains and supported long-term soil health. Finally, a multidisciplinary expert panel developed enhanced technical itineraries and more integrated rotation schemes. The results underline the value of system-scale integrated disease management combining epidemiological knowledge, biofumigation, and optimized crop sequences.