The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and the mycorrhizal-like fungus piriformospora indica in biocontrol of plant parasitic nematodes

Fungal root symbionts have long been known to provide benefits to their plant hosts in terms of nutrient acquisition and growth promotion. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous symbionts of plants that help procure nutrients and protect plants from both abiotic and biotic stresses, including plant parasitic nematodes. Recently, the discovery of another group of mycorrhizal-like fungi belonging to the basidiomycete order Sebacinales have also been shown to colonize roots and assist their hosts in acquisition of nutrients as well as providing protection from a wide variety of both abiotic (drought, salinity, and temperature) and biotic (microbes, insects, and nematodes) stresses. Piriformospora indica is one such beneficial root symbiont discovered from the Thar Desert of Western India. It had been shown to enhance uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium as well as some micronutrients and to alter plant hormones to promote plant growth and defense. It also recently has been shown to antagonize nematode growth and development. These fungi offer promise for the biocontrol of plant parasitic nematodes.