Antagonism_(phytopathology)
In phytopathology, antagonism refers to the action of any organism that suppresses or interferes with the normal growth and activity of a plant pathogen, such as the main parts of bacteria or fungi.
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These organisms can be used for pest control and are referred to as biological control agents. They may be predators, parasites, parasitoids, or pathogens that attack a harmful insect, weed, or plant disease or any other organism in its vicinity. The inhibitory substance is highly specific in its action, affecting only a specific species. Many soil microorganisms are antagonistic. They secrete a potent enzyme which destroys other cells by digesting their cell walls and degrade the cellular material as well as released protoplasmic material serves as a nutrient for the inhibitor organism, for example Aspergillus has an antagonistic effect on Penicillium and Cladosporium. Trichoderma has an effect on actinomycetes. Pseudomonas[1] show antagonism on Cladosporiumsuch organism may be of great practical importance since they often produce antibiotics which modify the normal growth processes.