Aromatic Plants: Alternatives for Management of Crop Pathogens and Ideal Candidates for Phytoremediation of Contaminated Land

Abstract

Crop diseases due to fungal pathogens cause significant resulting economic losses in agriculture. For management of crop diseases, farmers use synthetic pesticides. However, the frequent application of these chemicals leads to accumulation in soil and therefore presenting pollution problems. Essential oils (EOs) sourced from aromatic plants are safer alternatives and are effective against a variety of crops pathogens. In addition to their role as the sources of EOs, aromatic plants are gaining much attention in rehabilitation strategies. In phytoremediation processes, suitable plants species are used to clean-up polluted sites. Mining activities and electricity generation processes have resulted in significant amounts of tailings and coal fly ash. Mine tailings and coal fly ash are disposed in dumpsites, converting productive lands to unusable waste sites. These solid waste materials contain toxic metals and therefore posing serious risks to the health of the environment. Aromatic plants can be cultivated in contaminated sites and therefore be used for restoration of polluted lands. The EOs can be sourced from these aromatic plants as they are free from metal-toxicity and can therefore be used to generate revenues. This review highlights the role of aromatic plants in the control of crops pathogens and also their application in phytoremediation processes.