Advances in Alternative Measures in Plant Protection

Dear Colleagues,

Contemporary agricultural production demands increasing applications of agrochemicals (pesticides and fertilizers), in order to obtain healthy crops with the optimal nutritional value and high yields, as major challenges in food production. However, intensive and/or inappropriate use of agrochemicals leads to their accumulation in the environment (soil and water), as well as agricultural products, posing a risk to human health. They can also cause side effects on non-target organisms, contribute to the development of pests' resistance, etc.

Nowadays, due to increasing concerns, the use of alternative, environmental-friendly, plant protection methods for the control of weeds, disease, and pests, such as biological control agents (predators, parasitoids, competitors, plant-plant interactions…and biopesticides), has been considered. One of the main advantages of these measures is low risk or complete absence of the resistance development to treated pests and selectivity. They are also characterized by the absence of toxicity to humans and vertebrates, beneficial organisms and the environment.

Furthermore, there are strong indications that micro- and trace elements have a defensive function in plants against pests. The use of elements in plant protection can be positive in two ways: it can protect plants against pests or/and disease and it can also have a beneficial effect on the yield of plants. A plant’s chemical protective mechanism against pests can be achieved via the accumulation of added elements. These elements can protect the plants against the plant’s feeder, suppress pest’s growth, impair their reproduction or cause death. Some elements can also stimulate plant metabolism in the production of secondary metabolites.

Those are important issues, both in conventional, organic and integrated agricultural farming, in order to provide sustainable and eco-friendly food production.

This Special Issue of Plants is addressed to scientists in different fields dealing with the development and application of alternative methods in the control of pests, diseases and weeds. Review and original research articles covering all aspects of alternative measures in plant protection are welcome.

Dr. Špela Mechora
Dr. Dragana Šunjka
Guest Editors

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