Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decrease Meloidogyne enterolobii infection of Guava seedlings

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Mycology

Background:

• Guava (Psidium guajava L.) production in Brazil is significantly impacted by the phytonematode Meloidogyne enterolobii.
• The efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in protecting guava against M. enterolobii is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effect of three AMF species against Meloidogyne enterolobii infection in guava seedlings.
• To assess the impact of AMF inoculation on guava plant growth and nematode population.

Main Methods:

• Guava seedlings were inoculated with three different AMF species.
• Seedlings were grown for 60 days before being challenged with 2000 M. enterolobii eggs.
• Plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization, and nematode presence in roots were monitored at 30 and 60 days post-inoculation.

Main Results:

• AMF inoculation significantly enhanced guava seedling growth parameters.
• A notable reduction in Meloidogyne in the roots was observed at both 30 and 60 days after nematode inoculation.
• Mycorrhizal colonization positively correlated with plant health and nematode suppression.

Conclusions:

• The studied AMF species demonstrate a capacity to mitigate M. enterolobii infection in guava.
• These AMF hold promise as effective biocontrol agents for managing phytonematode damage in commercial guava cultivation.
• Further research into specific AMF-plant-pathogen interactions is warranted.