AMF-Induced Bioprotection against Migratory Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Banana

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts which biotrophically colonise the roots of about 80% of vascular plants. The symbiotic relationship enhances growth and survival of numerous plants through an improved water and nutrient uptake. In addition, the fungi can reduce the occurrence and the impact of soil pathogens. Not only do they suppress soil bacteria and fungi, AMF also affect plant-parasitic nematodes. In a wide range of agricultural crops and for many nematode species, an AMF-induced bioprotective effect has been reported. While the exact mechanisms involved are still a matter of debate, it is generally accepted that a well established symbiotic relationship is a prerequisite for an AMF-induced increase in resistance. The research on the mechanisms responsible for the bioprotective effect of AMF has mainly focused on the interaction between AMF and pathogenic fungi. Until now, these mechanisms have seldom been considered for AMF-nematode interactions. In the first part of this article, an overview will be given of the impact AMF have on a wide variety of banana cultivars and some of their important intercrops, and their potential bioprotective effect against the important banana nematodes. In the second part, the results of a split-root experiment used to examine whether the bioprotective effect is localised or systemic are given. Further, a step-by-step analysis (based on the different steps during nematode infection) was used to reveal the mechanisms responsible for this horizontal resistance against plant-parasitic nematodes. Results of experiments and bio-assays carried out under in vitro and in vivo conditions will be discussed.

Publication year:2009

BOF-keylabel:yes

IOF-keylabel:yes

Authors from:Higher Education