Interactions between mycophagous nematodes, mycorrhizal and other soil fungi

Three species of mycophagous nematodes were able to feed and multiply, and in the process damage the mycelium of a range of fungi in pure culture. The fungi preferred by the nematodes included some ectomycorrhizal species. When mycorrhizal plants were grown in soil where nematode numbers were high due to the presence in the soil of actively growing mycelium of Agaricus bisporus, some effect of the nematodes could occasionally be detected, in particular reduction of phosphorus uptake and yield of the host plant. There was no significant effect on levels of mycorrhizal infection.