Disease suppressive soils: a battlefield beneath our feet

Plants use various strategies to defend against natural enemies, such as insects and pathogens. Beyond their physical and chemical defenses, plants rely on a "microbial army" to protect them from herbivores and diseases. Disease-suppressive soils are a prime example of this partnership. In these soils, plants show little or no disease symptoms despite the presence of pathogens, thanks to microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in the soil and roots that inhibit pathogen growth by producing compounds like antibiotics. These beneficial microorganisms can be harnessed in agriculture to control plant diseases and improve crop yields, offering a sustainable approach to enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).