Protective effects of mycorrhizal association in tomato and pepper against Meloidogyne incognita infection, and mycorrhizal networks for early mycorrhization of low mycotrophic plants

Root knot nematodes are obligate phytoparasites that invade the roots of important crop plants causing severe economic losses. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are soil borne microorganisms that establish mutualistic associations with the roots of most plants. AMF have been frequently indicated to help their host to attenuate the damage caused by pathogens and predators. In this study, the effects of a commercial inoculum of AMF against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato and pepper were evaluated under controlled conditions. Mycorrhizal association decreased M. incognita development in pepper, and improved tolerance to nematode infection in tomato plants. Rapid plant mycorrhization is critical for delivering protective effects against biotic stress. A novel mycorrhization technique using AMF from the highly mycotrophic plant sorghum was applied to tomato. More rapid mycorrhization was achieved in tomato plants grown in soil containing mycorrhized roots of sorghum than in plants directly inoculated with the commercial AMF. Keywords. Crop pests, symbiosis, agricultural management.