Interaction space rhizosphere: Interactions of plants and micro flora.

Firstly, the article explains the basic biological functions of the rhizosphere and the specific interactions in the ecosystem of the plant root zone. In the next main section the disease depressing effects of bacterial antagonists in the soil are outlined. Induced systemic resistance, systemic acquired resistance and chemically induced resistance are explained. Recent research results are shown involving a screening of antagonists and subsequent testing in salad crops infected with Rhizoctonia solani. Results showed that four antagonists were able to protect the crop significantly compared to untreated but infected control. It is concluded that these results show potential for successful control strategies in the field and in practical green keeping. It might lead to new or better solutions in the future.