Biological pest control is an increasingly widespread method of combating plant diseases in agriculture. It is based on the use of microorganisms and viruses, or their by-products, to suppress pathogenic organisms on plants. It is considered "environmentally friendly" and is an alternative to chemical plant protection products (PPPs). The latter often have negative effects on the environment, humans, and animals. However, it is important to be aware of the possible effects of microorganisms used in biological plant protection on the environment and therefore also on humans. Antagonistic fungi can also be used in biological plant protection. One such fungus is Pythium oligandrum, which parasitizes on pathogenic soil fungi (including fungi of the genera Fusarium, Phytophthora and Botrytis), competes with them for space and nutrients, induces defense mechanisms in the plants and at the same time promotes plant growth through the production of tryptamine. The latter increases the uptake of phosphorus and micronutrients, which strengthens the plants' resistance. In the thesis I will present the mechanisms of action of the antagonistic fungus Pythium oligandrum, its application methods, and its effectiveness in different agricultural production systems.
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