Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi decreaseMeloidogyne enterolobiiinfection of Guava seedlings

Guava (Psidium guajavaL.) production is prominent in the irrigated fruit growing area of Brazil. However, the parasiteMeloidogyne enterolobii(a phytonematode) has caused a decrease in guava production. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to be beneficial to plants; however, their ability to protect plants against nematodes such asM. enterolobiiremains poorly known. This study aimed to monitorM. enterolobiiinfection in guava seedlings inoculated with three AMF species. After AMF inoculation, the seedlings were grown in sterile soil for 60 days before inoculation with 2000M. enterolobiieggs. Plant growth parameters, mycorrhizal colonization and the number ofMeloidogynein the roots were determined over time (30 and 60 days afterMeloidogyneinoculation). The AMF enhanced guava seedling growth, and reduced the amount ofMeloidogynein the roots at 30 and 60 days after nematode inoculation, indicating that these AMF species could serve as biocontrol agents ofM. enterolobiiin guava cultivation.