Effectiveness of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Funneliformis mossae and Rhizophagus irregularis as biological control agent of the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans

Tylenchulus semipenetrans is one of the most destructive citrus pest globally, causing significant crop losses. Its management is challenging due to its broad host range and adaptability to diverse conditions. While nematicides are commonly used, they increase production costs and pose risks to health and the environment. This study aims to develop an alternative control method for this plant parasite by investigating the potential of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis (C. Walker and A. Schüßler, no. BGCBJ09 and Funneliformis mosseae (Gerd. and Trappe, BEG no. 12), under greenhouse conditions. Results demonstrated that both AMF strains significantly reduced T. semipenetrans populations in the soil and roots of citrus rootstocks. In soil, F. mosseae and R. irregularis reduced nematode populations by 95.44 % and 86.5 % in Citrus aurantium, and by 95.57 % and 80.47 % in Carrizo citrange, respectively. In roots, reductions were 81.55 % and 63.10 % for C. aurantium with R. irregularis and F. mosseae, respectively, and 88.89 % and 77.78 % for C. citrange with F. mosseae and R. irregularis, respectively. Additionally, AMF significantly enhanced the growth and biomass of citrus rootstocks compared to the control group infected solely with T. semipenetrans.