N, P, K nutrition differentially affects the incidence and severity of the attack of pests and diseases in plants

Abstract

Objective: To document and analyze relevant results reported on the relationships kept by the essential elements, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) with biotic stress factors in higher plants.

Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic analysis was carried out using keywords related to the concepts of nutrient relationship with phytopathogens, plant fertilization and nutrition and biotic stress. Subsequently, the most relevant articles on N, P, and K and their relationship with pests and diseases were selected and analyzed.

Results: The elements N, P, and K affect the development of pests on plants. Fertilization with N tend to increase the presence of pests, while fertilization with P and K decreases it. However, this cannot be generalized for all crops or pests.

Limitations/implications of the study: Research on the effects of N, P, and K on the incidence of phytopathogens is limited and in most cases the mechanisms that determine such relashionship are not described.

Findings/conclusions: Fertilization with N causes a higher incidence of pests and diseases in plants, while fertilization with P and K can contribute to reduce their incidence. However, due to the great diversity of responses, these statements are not applicable to all cases and depend on other factors such as the crop and the pest present in the agroecosystem. It is required to carry out studies that make it possible to clarify exactly how these essential elements influence the development of diseases in different crops, and thus be able to make nutrition recommendations in which limiting biotic factors are taken into account.