BIOLOGICAL CONTROL MEASURES AGAINST ROOT DISEASES IN LAVENDER (LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA)

The research identifies root diseases in Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) while evaluating natural biological controls instead of traditional chemical fungicides. The availability of essential oils from Lavender along with its medicinal properties makes the plant vulnerable to Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and Verticillium spp. soil-borne pathogens. Soil-born pathogens result in root rot, growth impairment, and plant death and this leads to substantial yield decrease with concurrently diminished quality. This research examines Trichoderma harzianum along with Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens biological agents since these microorganisms demonstrate their pathogenic inhibition abilities through antibiosis and parasitic and competitive exclusion methods in order to prevent environmental chemical treatment risks. The paper discusses three complementary agricultural methods including compost application along with crop rotation and bio-fumigation within integrated disease control systems.