The theory of trophobiosis in pest and disease control

Diversified agricultural systems maintain equilibrium through the multiple relationships existing between the biotic and abiotic components. An ideal equilibrium is still not the reality in many agro-ecological production systems. Small scale monocropping can still be found even in ecological or organic agriculture, due to access to markets or market demand. In addition, situations of environmental stress, such as droughts, excessive rainfall, heat or cold, can encourage incidence of pests and diseases, putting ecological production at risk. It is also well known that with the modernisation of agriculture, the number of species which are now regarded as pests and diseases has increased. Studies done by the French researcher Francis Chaboussou provide the basis for the theory of trophobiosis, which states that the susceptibility of a crop plant to pests and diseases depends on its nutritional state. The health of a plant is directly associated with its internal balance, which is constantly changing.