Mycorrhizal Composition can Predict Foliar Pathogen Colonization in Soybean

Publication date: Available online 6 August 2016 Source:Biological Control Author(s): Rondy J. Malik, Megan H. Dixon, James D. Bever Background and Aims Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may contribute to plant protection against pathogens. However, AM-fungal bioprotection may depend upon AM-fungal species identity and plant-pathosystem. Here, the aim is to determine if AM-fungal composition can alter Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinia’s (Psg) effect on soybean (Glycine max). Two experiments were performed simultaneously. The first experiment assessed the effect of soil treatment on pathogen (Psg) growth. While the second experiment assessed the interactive effects of Psg and soil treatment on soybean growth. In the first experiment, mycorrhizal composition and soil nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) were manipulated for Glycine max under growth chamber conditions. Mycorrhizal treatments included four single species of AM-fungi (Entrophospora infrequens, Funneliformis mosseae, Claroideoglomus claroideum, and Racocetra fulgida) and a mix (Fungal Community) of all four species. Three nutrient addition treatments included nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and nitrogen with phosphorous (NP). Psg colonization was assessed at 40 and 120 hours post infection (HPI). In the second experiment, also under growth chamber conditions, soybean biomass in response to the interactive effect of Psg and soil environments (AM-fungal community, N, P, NP, and control) was assessed after a fou...
Source: Biological Control - Category: Biology Source Type: research