Effect of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus manihotis on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, in banana

Abstract

To assess the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica, micro-propagated plants of banana ‘Grande Naine’ (Musa acuminata Colla AAA) were inoculated with Glomus manihotis at the beginning of the hardening phase. After the establishment of the mycorrhizal symbiosis, plants were inoculated with Meloidogyne javanica. The effects of the nematode/mycorrhizal interaction were assessed 120, 160 and 200 days after nematode inoculation. Results showed that the mycorrhizal symbiosis reduced root galling and the population of M. javanica in the roots. However, the reduction in nematode population in roots was significant only until four months after inoculation with nematodes. The nematodes did not affect negatively root colonization by the mycorrhizal fungus. Root mycorrhization in the nursery could be a useful means of limiting root-knot damage during early growth stages of banana after transplanting in the field.