Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in tomato tolerance to pathogens and nematodes: A comprehensive review

ABARCA, C.; FERNÁNDEZ BIDONDO, L; BOMPADRE, J.; VELÁZQUEZ, M.S.

SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2024

0304-4238

Currently, there is a growing need to develop high-yielding and disease-resistant crops while simultaneouslyreducing the use of agrochemicals. The utilization of symbiotic microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizalfungi (AMF), emerges as a promising alternative for sustainable agriculture. In addition to their growthpromoting effects, AMF have been reported to exert positive effects on the control of diseases caused byfungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms of action ofAMF becomes crucial to enhance their efficacy as biological control agents and encourage their application insustainable agronomic practices. The objective of this study was to evaluate and summarize research focused onthe interaction between AMF, plants, and pathogens in tomato cultivation. The main mechanisms involved in theprotective effect of mycorrhizal symbiosis, as well as its synergistic effect with other beneficial microorganisms,are described. Furthermore, the major challenges faced in the implementation of AMF in productive systems areaddressed.