MykoNema

Assessing Soil Nematode Effects on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and the Implications for Crop Health

01/03/2025 to 28/02/2027

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil nematodes are pivotal constituents of the rhizosphere (i.e., the soil directly influenced by plant roots), playing crucial roles in enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant health. The interactions between nematodes and AMF cover a wide spectrum - ranging from antagonistic to mutualistic - which consequently impact the microbial ecosystem balance and plant growth outcomes. Although individual studies have explored specific aspects of nematode and fungal interactions, comprehensive analysis examining the collective impact of diverse nematode communities on AMF populations across various soil ecosystems is notably lacking. Insights into these relationships can drive the development of innovative soil management strategies that promote nematode populations to enhance beneficial mycorrhizal interactions. Accordingly, the primary objective of this research is to explore (1) the impact of soil nematode communities on AMF root colonization, mycelium growth in soil and functions in rhizospheres of various crops, and further investigate (2) the outcomes of these interactions on crop growth, nutrient uptake, and grain production.