Role of Bio Char in Improving Plant Biomass and Reducing Sclerotinia

This report investigates the application of bio char in canola farming, particularly within the context of Western Australia, to improve plant biomass and reduce the impact of the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The research reviews the benefits of bio char in controlling both airborne and soil-borne diseases, and its positive effects on soil productivity, while acknowledging potential adverse impacts such as the presence of non-degradable materials. The study highlights the economic and environmental advantages of adopting bio char technology, emphasizing its application in sandy soils and identifying associated agrochemical usage. The report concludes with a call for sustainable agricultural practices through the use of bio char amendments in soils. The study recommends further research to explore additional mechanisms for pathogen control and plant biomass enhancement, promoting food security and improved farmer livelihoods.

Running head: ROLE OF BIO CHAR 1
Role of Bio Char In Improving Plant Biomass And Reducing Sclerotinia sclerotiorum In Canola
Student’s name
Institution Affiliation

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 2
Abstract
The application of organic amendment has frequently been proposed for the control of pathogens
and improving plant biomass. In this paper, research concerning the role of biochar in controlling
pathogens and improving plant performance were reviewed to support the arguments. Bio char
can be useful in the control of both airborne and soil borne diseases. Also, it helps in controlling
different bacterial and fungal diseases in the soil. Amendment of soil using bio char results in
both positive and negative effect on soil productivity, but positive effects prevail. The proposed
adverse effects of bio char amendments include the availability of non-degradable materials
which limits microbial activities. The study shed light on the economic and environmental
benefits incurred by the producer in adopting bio char technology. The focus is in West
Australia, where the study explains the application of bio char in sandy soils while identifying
the agrochemical applications in the same region. The research concludes with a sustainable
agricultural production in a socially responsible environment due to the application of bio char
amendments in soils. However, the study recommends for extensive research to find out more
mechanisms in controlling pathogens and improving plant biomass.
Key words: Pathogen, bio char, soil, plant biomass.

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 3
Role of Bio Char In Improving Plant Biomass And Reducing Sclerotinia sclerotiorum In Canola
Introduction
Canola is a popular crop in Western Australia, which is grown primarily for the
production of edible oil. However, its purpose varies on the level+s of production. Its by-product
is crushed and fed to livestock. There is growing demand for Canola oil worldwide due to its low
concentration in acidic fats. For economic reasons, farmers apply various strategies to control
weeds, diseases and improve the productivity of canola(Agric.wa.gov.au, 2017). Researchers are
always developing a new hybrid variety with improved quality and quantity of production.
Several diseases attack Canola at different stages of growth. The severity of attack
depends on the crop variety and its exposure to pathogens and the climatic conditions
(Mihajlović et al., 2017). For example, regions experiencing high unseasoned rainfall or extreme
temperatures have high incidences of fungal infections in plants. If colon producers are aware of
the associated risks, they would formulate strategic management methods and probably consider
adopting a more economically integrated approach such as the application of bio char in
pathogen control and improvement of plant biomass.
Problem of the Study
Two key problems affecting farm productivity today is soil fertility and pests. Growing
crops on a single piece of land often lead to a decline in production due to depletion of nutrients
in the soil (Li et al., 2012). To overcome this challenge, mankind came up with the idea of
synthetic fertilizers to replenish fertility of the soil and ensure continued production of the land.
However, continuous use of synthetic fertilizers has its own consequences to the soil and the
biodiversity. For instance, synthetic fertilizers lower the pH leading to increase in acidity of the

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 4
soil (Sebilo et al, 2013). In the end, it results in the death of micro-organisms which cannot
survive at a lower pH, and in turn reduced crop productivity.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is known to cause white mold disease to the plant and has
proved difficult to eliminate (Miklas et al., 2015). Eliminating this pathogen causes incurring
substantial costs in terms of controlling it, which eats into the profitability in the case of
commercial farms. In some cases, farmers may incur losses due to this pathogen; therefore, it is a
relief to find that bio char can be used to control it. It is imperative to note that continued
presence of this pathogen is a threat to food security not only in Western Australia but also the
whole territory. Furthermore, it is a threat at the doorstep that requires being handled with a
sense of urgency in order to save the food basket of Western Australia. White mold, a disease
caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a serious disease as it can affect the crop at any stage of
growth (Kabbage, Williams &Dickman, 2013). With this behavior, it can be deduced that the
disease requires constant monitoring until the crops have been harvested. This phenomenon
implies that the farmers’ woes could be high if the occurrence of the pathogen recurred during
the growing cycle of the crops. A heavy infestation of the pathogen on the farm could mean that
the farmer would not only go hungry by also without a source of income.
The study aimed at providing more insight on ways bio char can be used in reducing the
impact of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum menace and promoting plant biomass. Having a clear
overview of the roles of bio char could not only help in promoting food security but also
farmers’ standards of living in Western Australia. According to Garnett et al., (2013), having
stable food security is essential for economic development and food self-reliance. The fact that
Western Australia is the breadbasket of the nation asserts the urgency of this study since any
effect on food production in this region would have a direct impact on the country, Australia. It

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 5
is worth noting that the impact of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum goes just beyond the crops; thus,
affecting other agricultural sectors too. For instance, infestation by the pathogen on agricultural
crops suchlike animal feeds could affect livestock production in the region where the effect is
like a chain of reactions. The fact that bio char has the potential to increase agricultural
production was an indication of an information gap. This study aimed to fill the information gap
by seeking out to provide more insight on how bio char can be used in improving soil fertility
and control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogen.
Control steps of the Pathogen
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogen can only be controlled but not eliminated using
biological, cultural and chemical measures (Kabbage, Williams &Dickman, 2013). Some of
these control methods require a considerable amount of time in controlling the pathogen while
others are done in an instant. In controlling the pathogen, it is important to first analyze the
extent of the infestation to allow for selection of appropriate control measures. Doing this will
increase the likelihood of success in the control measure employed and reducing the risk of the
pathogen spreading. It is imperative to note that the most effective way of control this pathogen
is through the integration of the three control methods. Farmers need to keep farming records
about Sclerotinia disease so that if affected they can select the most appropriate control method.
Biological Control Methods
The affected plant parts can be isolated and taken to a controlled area where they can be
air-dried to eliminate Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogen. It involves the collection of sclerotinia
from the affected plants and the soil (Alvarez et al., 2012). Furthermore, it involves the use of
special types of fungi such as Gliocladiumroseum, Trichodermaviride, Coniothyriumminitans,

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 6
Sporodesmium sclerotivorum, and Gliocladiumvirens. Here, the mycoparasitic fungi help in
controlling the pathogen through the destruction of the Sclerotia thus, killing
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. Besides, it inhibits the pathogen from forming new sclerotia.
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum pathogen can also be controlled using parasites
Coniothyriumminitans and Trichoderma spp. They control the pathogen through secreting á-
1,3glucanase; this works through degradation and shredding of sclerotial tissues in Sclerotinia
(Guyon et al., 2012). However, for this to yield optimal results, there must be warmers
temperatures and an optimal level of humidity. Bio char also helps in control of
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum pathogen as it triggers the crops’ systemic responses to fungal diseases
such as sclerotinia
Cultural Control Methods
Cultural methods incorporate two control strategies which include putting the pathogen
under a condition that it cannot survive or physically killing it (Peltier et al., 2012). For instance,
some of the farmers prefer burning their field as a way of controlling the pathogen. Such a
method is attributed to the fact that the pathogen cannot survive under conditions of high
temperature. It is worthy to note that the effectiveness of this method is dependent on the
cooperation among farmers in the region affected, in this case, the Western Australia.
Other cultural methods that can be effective in control of the pathogen include ensuring
proper field sanitation through weeding and proper spacing of the crops. Ventilation is important
to allow for free movement of air in the farm, in turn, eliminating humid conditions which are a
perfect spreading ground for the pathogen. One should also ensure that the crops with hanging
foliar should be supported with wire trellis to raise them from the ground.

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 7
Since Sclerotiniasclerotiorum pathogen can stay in the soil for up to 5 years, farmers can
grow more tolerant crops and/or apply biofumigant green manure to prevent the accumulation of
the paste in the soil (Xie and Ghabrial, 2012). Such a process could involve crop rotation where
the farmer shifts planting susceptible crops to the unaffected field. However, this method is
limited if the infestation of the pathogen is spread across a whole region.
Chemical control methods
The most desirable chemical method of controlling Sclerotiniasclerotiorum pathogen is
through fumigation. Fumigation is aimed at lowering the levels of inoculum present in the soil.
Chemical control is also carried out on established crops where chemicals such as Fluazinam and
procymidone have proved to be very effective in the control of sclerotinia (Sumida et al., 2015).
It is imperative to note that the effectiveness of control of the pathogen using chemical methods
varies from one plant to another. Therefore, to increase the likelihood of success, the farmers
have to seek chemical control methods suitable for their crops. It should be noted that chemical
method is facing some challenges such as pollution of the soil, high cost, and resistance to some
chemical controls by Sclerotiniasclerotiorum pathogen.
The effectiveness of chemical control approach is dependent on the method of
application, volume of water used and timing of the chemical sprays. The ideology behind the
volume of water is the depth at which the water shall percolate intothe soil (Tjamos, Papavizas&
Cook, 2013). Using a small volume of water means that only the top part of the soil shall be
fumigated while the lower part remains undisturbed. Conversely, using the optimal amount of
water ensures that all areas of the soils are fumigated hence, high effectiveness. During

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 8
application, care should be taken to ensure that the required volume of water is used to avoid
pollution of groundwater and run-off.
The use of bio char is another chemical method used in controlling
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum pathogen. In this case, the method involves the addition of carbon to the
soil which in turn raises the pH of the soil. Pathogens such as Sclerotiniasclerotiorum thrive in
acidic soils hence, raising the pH is a measure of providing an unsuitable environment for its
spread. Raising the pH is needed for increasing activity of soil microorganisms, some of which
are helpful in the control of the pest.
Literature Review
Improvement of Agriculture in West Australia using organic approach
For decades people have embedded in the application of phosphorus fertilizer on the
sandy soil in South Australia. However, the level of PH in the soil seems decreasing season after
another. Also, the use of fungicides has prevailed, and the Department of Agriculture and Food
reports that most primary producers incorporate adverse chemical applications in agricultural
enterprises (Agric.wa.gov.au, 2017). The Department, therefore, raises a concern for
implementation of policies to control the use of veterinary and agricultural chemicals which will
indirectly minimize the risk of the trade, animal health, and animal welfare. Therefore, the
government is institutionalizing licensing, validity of chemical products and noncompliance
enforcement strategies (Agric.wa.gov.au, 2017). Persistent global warming effect and the
irrational chemical application by the producers have raised concern for government
intervention. The discussion below reviews literature to provide insights for the efficiency of
adopting organic approaches in controlling pathogens and plant crop biomass.

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 9
Production of Bio char
Bio char is produced in a similar approach as charcoal, but the difference prevails where
the end application is soil amendment. Mitchell, Dalley, and Helleur, (2013), postulate that the
product can be prepared following various approaches such as gasification and slow pyrolysis.
These procedures in making bio char give it a high Carbon content. In most instances,
lignocellulosic materials such as manure, crop residues, and wood can be used to develop the
product through a combustion process (Mitchell, Dalley, &Helleur, 2013). With optimal
observation of standards, the bio char can impound carbon in soils, which substantially improve
soil productivity.
Recent studies indicate that applying bio char has a range of effect on the soil properties
and thus, productivity (Agric.wa.gov.au, 2017; Sumida et al., 2015). For future advancement, the
scientists are assessing the best approaches in preparing the bio char. The primary effect of bio
char in the soil is increasing water holding capacity and boosting the soil potential in retaining
nutrients (Ahmed & Schoenau, 2015). It also has oxidation effect when applied to the soil.
Additionally, bio char has a hydrophobic nature when freshly prepared and therefore, has a low
surface charge.
Effect of Bio char on Plant biomass
An increasing body of literature suggests that bio char changes the chemical composition
of the soil which results in a relative alteration in plant responses in the diverse soil ecosystem.
(Kelly et al., 2015; Sumida et al., 2015; Knox et al., 2015).Some scholars differ from others and
criticize the technology as a factor for soil degradation. They support an argument that the
substance constitutes non-degradable elements which cannot be decomposed by the microbial

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 10
effect (Ahmad et al., 2015; Alvarez et al., 2012). As a result, they inhibit vital microbial
activities such as nitrification and enzyme activities.
From different agronomic contributions, it is evident that the effect of bio char might be
positive or negative to soil productivity with respect to nutrient retention and water holding
capacity. Therefore, it is vital for producers to carry out soil sampling before implementing the
technology in various soil types by considering: Soil porosity, bulkiness and grain distribution.
Understanding these properties helps the producer enact practical application procedures which
contribute to increase in the plant biomass.
Mainly, the aspect of microporosity of bio char contributes to greater water retention and
soil porosity, soil hydraulic conductivity and available water content (AWC) for plant utilization
(Barnes, Gallagher, Masiello, Liu, & Dugan, 2014). As a result, the processes support efficient
nutrient absorption and utilization hence, improving the plant biomass. Bio char alone has a
lower effect on soils in West Australia, but the inclusion of fertilizer indicates improved yield.
The soil type in West Australia is sandy and dominated by clay stones. Therefore, the addition of
fertilizer would provide essential nutrients such as Nitrogen and Phosphorous. Notably, the
effects of bio char on plant germination, productivity and consequently on biomass production
varies on the materials used.
If producers intend to improve plant biomass using bio char, then they might be obliged
to apply fertilizer as a compliment. Particularly, the changes imposed by the bio char have
effects on PH and efficiency of nutrient utilization (Knox et al., 2015). It might be of great
support to plants life in tropical soils, but prairie soils might require more amendments.
Reducing Pathogen

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 11
In recent years research has been carried out to establish effective methods of controlling
pathogens with limited effect on the environment. In this proceeding, the organic control
measures such as green manure, compost manure and organic wastes from agro-industries are
considered appropriate by both farmers and scientists. Organic amendment in the soil has a
suppressive characteristic to both soil borne and airborne pathogens. Among the mostly applied
materials, compost manure is broadly studied and identified to have effective control result in
regards to pathogens like Sclerotiumspp, Fusariumspp, andRhizoctoniasolani(Ahmad et al.,
2014). The organic control of pathogen has a limited practicality where compost manure is
identified to cause severity and several side effects by releasing phytotoxic compounds that
destroy roots.
Biochar effects on the soil have been reported to inhibit survival of pathogens. An
experiment by scientists provided that, dry bio char can emit C2H4; wet bio char produce more
capacity while the biochar mixed at the ground emit average amount. The research is limited in
explaining the mechanism involved in the emission of ethylene from bio char in the soil. This
process of emission has a toxification effect to the fungal disease such as
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. However, the research is underperformed to define the extent of
emission. Also, studies have reported direct fungitoxic effect where a range of organic
compounds, aromatic and aliphatic C compounds are produced (Graber et al., 2014). On the
contrary, the use of transgenic plants might be an efficient mechanism in particular pathogen
control approaches.
Conclusion

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 12
For decades, relevant studies have been established to determine the role of bio char in
improving plant biomass and controlling soil borne diseases. However, the research on bio
charin controlling pathogens is still limited and further studies are necessary to establish wide-
scaled pathogen control mechanisms. However, the current research avers that bio char is a
promising technique which conserves the environment while providing an exceptional
experience to the producers. The low-cost demand in implementing this technology has a
positive effect on the farmers. Also, its implementation establishes an additional supply of plant
nutrients, positive soil harmonization and therefore, a reduced cost in purchasing farm inputs.
Most importantly, the agricultural production becomes economically sustainable in a socially
responsible environment.

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 13
References
Ahmad, M., Rajapaksha, A. U., Lim, J. E., Zhang, M., Bolan, N., Mohan, D., ...& Ok, Y. S.
(2014). Biochar as a sorbent for contaminant management in soil and water: a review.
Chemosphere, 99, 19-33.
Agric.wa.gov.au. (2017).Canola | Agriculture and Food. Retrieved 2nd Oct. 2017 from
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/crops/grains/canola
Ahmed, H. P., &Schoenau, J. J. (2015). Effects of biochar on yield, nutrient recovery, and soil
properties in a canola (Brassica napus L)-wheat (Triticumaestivum L) rotation grown
under controlled environmental conditions. BioEnergy Research, 8(3), 1183-1196
Alvarez, F., Castro, M., Príncipe, A., Borioli, G., Fischer, S., Mori, G., &Jofre, E. (2012). The
plant‐associated Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains MEP218 and ARP23 capable of
producing the cyclic lipopeptidesiturin or surfactin and fengycin are effective in
biocontrol of sclerotinia stem rot disease. Journal of applied microbiology, 112(1), 159-
174.
Barnes, R. T., Gallagher, M. E., Masiello, C. A., Liu, Z., & Dugan, B. (2014).Biochar-induced
changes in soil hydraulic conductivity and dissolved nutrient fluxes constrained by
laboratory experiments. PloS one, 9(9), e108340.
Garnett, T., Appleby, M. C., Balmford, A., Bateman, I. J., Benton, T. G., Bloomer,
P., ...&Herrero, M. (2013). Sustainable intensification in agriculture: premises and
policies. Science, 341(6141), 33-34.
Graber, E. R., Frenkel, O., Jaiswal, A. K., &Elad, Y. (2014). How may biochar influence
severity of diseases caused by soilborne pathogens?.Carbon Management, 5(2), 169-183.

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 14
Guyon, K., Balagué, C., Roby, D., &Raffaele, S. (2014). Secretome analysis reveals effector
candidates associated with broad host range necrotrophy in the fungal plant pathogen
Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. BMC genomics, 15(1), 336.
Kabbage, M., Williams, B., &Dickman, M. B. (2013). Cell death control: the interplay of
apoptosis and autophagy in the pathogenicity of Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. PLoS
pathogens, 9(4), e1003287.
Kelly, C. N., CaldeRóN, F. C., Acosta-martinez, V., Mikha, M. M., Benjamin, J., Rutherford,
D. W., &Rostad, C. E. (2015). Switchgrassbiochar effects on plant biomass and
microbial dynamics in two soils from different regions. Pedosphere, 25(3), 329-342.
Knox, O. G. G., Oghoro, C. O., Burnett, F. J., &Fountaine, J. M. (2015).Biochar increases soil
pH, but is as ineffective as liming at controlling clubroot. Journal of plant pathology,
149-152.
Li, P., Dai, C., Wang, X., Zhang, T., & Chen, Y. (2012).Variation of soil enzyme activities and
microbial community structure in peanut monocropping system in subtropical
China.African Journal of agricultural research, 7(12), 1870-1879.
Miklas, P. N., Porter, L. D., Kelly, J. D., & Myers, J. R. (2013). Characterization of white mold
disease avoidance in common bean. European journal of plant pathology, 135(3), 525-
543.
Mitchell, P. J., Dalley, T. S., &Helleur, R. J. (2013).Preliminary laboratory production and
characterization of biochars from lignocellulosic municipal waste.Journal of Analytical
and Applied Pyrolysis, 99, 71-78.

ROLE OF BIO CHAR 15
Peltier, A. J., Bradley, C. A., Chilvers, M. I., Malvick, D. K., Mueller, D. S., Wise, K. A., &
Esker, P. D. (2012). Biology, yield loss and control of Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean.
Journal of Integrated Pest Management, 3(2), B1-B7.
Sebilo, M., Mayer, B., Nicolardot, B., Pinay, G., &Mariotti, A. (2013).Long-term fate of nitrate
fertilizer in agricultural soils.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(45),
18185-18189.
Sumida, C. H., Canteri, M. G., Peitl, D. C., Tibolla, F., Orsini, I. P., Araújo, F. A., ...&Calvos, N.
S. (2015). Chemical and biological control of Sclerotinia stem rot in the soybean crop.
Ciência Rural, 45(5), 760-766.
Tjamos, E. C., Papavizas, G. C., & Cook, R. J. (Eds.). (2013). Biological control of plant
diseases: progress and challenges for the future (Vol. 230). Springer Science & Business
Media.
Xie, J., &Ghabrial, S. A. (2012). Molecular characterizations of two mitoviruses co-infecting a
hyovirulent isolate of the plant pathogenic fungus Sclerotiniasclerotiorum. Virology,
428(2), 77-85.