Plant Health and Rhizosphere Microbiome: Effects of the Bionematicide Aphanocladium album in Tomato Plants Infested by Meloidogyne javanica

The artificial introduction in the soil of antagonistic microorganisms can be a successful strategy, alternative to agrochemicals, for the control of the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne  spp.) and for preserving plant health. On the other hand, plant roots and the associated rhizosphere constitute a complex system in which the contribution of microbial community is fundamental to plant health and development, since microbes may convert organic and inorganic substances into available plant nutrients. In the presented research, the potential nematicidal activity of the biopesticide Aphanocladium album  (A. album  strain MX-95) against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica  in infected tomato plants was investigated. In particular the effect of the A. album  treatment on plant fitness was evaluated observing the plant morphological traits and also considering the nematode propagation parameters, the A. album  MX-95 vitality and population density. In addition, the treatment effects on the rhizosphere microbiome were analysed by a metabarcoding procedure.

Keywords: rhizosphere; microbiome; Aphanocladium album; Meloidogyne javanica; biocontrol agent