A review on role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in plant disease management

Abstract

Plant diseases become one of the significant threats in crop production worldwide which causes billion-dollar yield losses directly. Many approaches found to suppress various disease effects on crops. Among all the options available, biotic control of crop diseases promises one and in which Mycorrhizal Fungi (MF), especially endo mycorrhizae would play a significant role. Many reviews have reported on the interface mechanisms among Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and plant pathogens. It includes improvements in plant nutrition, competition for nutrient and photosynthates and antibiosis. Depending on the infections and the ecological conditions, all mechanisms may be involved. Studies revealed that AMF, Glomus sp and Gigaspora sp. are the best models used to control plant fungal and bacterial diseases. Further, Rhizophagus sp, Funneliformis sp and Claroideoglomus sp. are few of the excellent applicants of AMF shows better potential to oversee viral infections in plants. However, sufficient researches are not done so far to focus on exact stages of infection side effects of AMF when it incorporates with the crops to control pathogens. Future research on the AMF-mediated promotion of crop quality and productivity is therefore required with exploring the adverse effects of AMF, with emphasis on plant disease management. It can conclude that when biological management techniques are paired with effective AMF tactics while considering the environmental protection measures, a sustainable way of plant disease management is possible