Relationship between root-endophytic microbial communities and replant disease in specialized apple growing areas in Europe.

Highlights: [•] Apple replant disease was evaluated over three European countries. [•] A growth test was performed on replanted fallow and gamma ray-treated soil samples. [•] Replant disease resulted mainly from biotic factors. [•] Cylindrocarpon-like and Pythium populations were negatively correlated with plant growth. [•] Changes of root-endophyte fungal communities seem to reduce replant disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]