Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Rhizobium to Control Plant Fungal Diseases

Abstract

Soil microorganisms can be used to decrease the input of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals. Among soil microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Rhizobium spp. can promote plant growth and control plant fungal diseases. However these microorganisms are not yet used in commercial biocontrol products. Integration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus with Rhizobium sp. thus appears to be a promising approach for sustainable agriculture. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and root-nodule bacterium Rhizobium are two root symbionts. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increases soil nutrients and water absorption, while root-nodule bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen and produce antibiotics and phytoalexins. These microbes modify the quality and abundance of rhizosphere microflora and alter overall microbial activity of the rhizosphere. They induce changes in the host root exudation pattern. A procedure for successful development of these microorganisms is required by selection and screening of efficient isolates. Knowledge of culture systems that are adapted to their establishment and multiplication is needed. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide specific niches for bacteria. Arbuscular mycorrhizal bacteria improve nutrient acquisition in plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal bacteria may contribute to ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to inhibit pathogens, acquire mineral nutrients and modify plant root growth. Combined use of these microorganisms is more beneficial than their use alone. These symbionts also interact with other beneficial microorganisms synergistically and can be exploited for sustainable agriculture.

Organically Grown Soybean Production in the USA: Constraints and Management of Pathogens and Insect Pests

“…The phylum Glomeromycota is composed of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, an ancient group of fungi that are believed to have helped plants first move onto land [50]. With over 200 species, AM fungi are ubiquitous and survive in a broad range of environments and form mutualistic associations with approximately 80% of all land plants including soybean.…”

“…This will stimulate germination and hyphal growth, resulting in the formation of a symbiotic connection with roots of the plant host. The extra radical hyphae will extend past the root system to obtain immobile nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in exchange for carbon from the plant [50,51].…”

Micorrización de Agave cupreata: Biocontrol de Fusarium oxysporum y promoción del crecimiento vegetal

“…On the other hand, there is partial proof of findings by other authors, that is, that mycorrhization influences the reduction in the disease severity (Akhtar et al, 2011), although differentially. Only one of the native consortia (PA) and the commercial inoculant (MI) displayed an effect in the reduction in the severity of wilting caused by the isolate FPC of F. oxysporum.…”

“…Por otra parte, se demuestra parcialmente lo encontrado por otros autores, es decir, que la micorrización influye en la disminución de la severidad de la enfermedad (Akhtar et al, 2011), aunque de manera diferencial. Sólo uno de los consorcios nativos (PA) y el inóculo comercial (MI) mostraron un efecto en la disminución de la severidad de la marchitez causada por la cepa FPC de F. oxysporum.…”

Biology, Epidemiology and Management of the Pathogenic Fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid with Special Reference to Charcoal Rot of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

“…Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and Rhizobium spp. can promote plant growth and control plant fungal diseases (Akhtar et al. 2011).…”