Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as biocontrol agents for parasitic nematodes in plants

Abstract

The use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has not only caused damage to environment but has caused detrimental impacts on the health of people. In order to feed the ever growing population and prevent environmental contamination and decrease the impact on human health organic farming is being promoted all over the world. The use of Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi to boost agricultural productivity is considered a better alternative as it has strong influence on plant interactions by aiding plants in resource acquisition, disease suppression, and tolerance to soil pollution and play a decisive role in plant development. It also enhance the supply of water and nutrients (phosphate and nitrogen), to the host plant. In return, up to 20% of plant-fixed carbon is transferred to the fungus; hence the nutritional exchange is bidirectional. AMF acts as a biocontrol agent for various crops and thus reduces the burden of pesticides in agro-ecosystems. Advance research is needed to develop farming systems that optimize the use of natural resources such as mycorrhizal fungi for sustainable agricultural production. The present chapter is an attempt to study the role of AMF in controlling different plant parasitic nematodes along with its important advantages for the crop production.