Micorrhizal Fugi: A biocontrol agent of plant parasitic nematodes

Damage due to plant parasitic nematodes is a major factor for decline in agricultural and horticultural crop production worldwide. Traditional methods to control these nematodes are crop rotation, application of pesticides and breeding of resistant crops. Biological control of plant pathogenic nematodes is an important practice in sustainable agriculture and could also reduce the use of chemicals significantly in traditional agriculture.  Recently, use of mycorrhizal fungi in early stage of crop growth to protect the crop against nematodes has gained research interest. Several researchers have shown that in addition to increased tolerance to environmental stress and nutrient availability, mycorrhizal fungi could be potential biocontrol agents for plant pathogenic nematodes. In this study we explore the role of mycorrhizal fungi in organic farming systems focusing on their contribution to enhancing crop productivity by lowering the population of plant pathogenic nematodes. A 45 days shade house experiment will be done by growing beans in sterilized soil with mycorrhizal fungi and nematode inoculations and control.  At the end of the experiment, plant growth parameters: leaf area, total biomass, leaf C/N ratio, soil nutrient status, mycorrhizal status of plant, and nematode population in soil. Results from this study will help in better understanding the potential role of mycorrhizal fungi in controlling plant parasitic nematodes. It will also provide implications on future research on the use of biocontrol agents an alternative to toxic chemicals in plant parasitic nematode management.