ABSTRACT
Investigations on various aspects of soilborne microbial plant pathogens and the diseases induced by them in different crops aim at providing information for the development of methods to eradicate or restrict the incidence and/or severity and also spread of the diseases within and outside the geographical location/field. Plant pathologists entrusted with research and extension activities provided the basic concept of integration of two or more compatible strategies to enhance the level of protection to plants that could individually provide against microbial pathogens. The effect of integration of cultural practices, fungicide application and use of biocontrol agents was investigated for reducing incidence of stem rot disease caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in South Africa. The efficacy of combination of host resistance and fungicides in suppressing the development of crown and root rot caused by Phytophthora capsici was assessed.
