Abstract
A major problem in fruit cultivation in Flanders is replant disease due to a lack of uncultivated soils available for new plantings. Replant disease can cause poor growth and affect time to full production, however Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) can prove their usefulness with regard to these problems. To further investigate the effect of AMF on nematodes, different AMF species were amended to potted apple seedlings in the presence of the nematode Pratylenchus penetrans. Generally, apple seedlings grew better in the presence of nematodes when mycorrhiza were inoculated into the soil. Moreover, a positive correlation (R2 ≥ 0.88) was found between the percentage root length colonization of the roots of apple seedlings, by AMF species, and nematode reduction in the soil of the seedlings. Indigenous AMF could colonize the roots of apple seedlings the most efficiently, resulting in a higher biocontrol effect. Besides, a synergistic effect was observed when two AMF strains were applied together leading to a significant growth response of the seedlings.
Highlights
A main problem in the cultivation of apple in Flanders is the limited presence of pristine soils for new plantations
Apple seedlings, which had to cope with the nematode P. penetrans, showed a reduced root system compared to the control plants
Most of these seedlings grew even better compared to apple seedlings where no nematodes or Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) were added to the soil
Summary
A main problem in the cultivation of apple in Flanders is the limited presence of pristine soils for new plantations. Symptoms of replant disease include a reduced growth of trees, discolored roots, root tip necrosis, reduction in root biomass, delay in fruit production, shortened internodes, and a general reduction in overall fruit yield and quality [1] Both biotic and abiotic factors can lead to this problem, but a complex of nematodes and fungi Root lesion nematodes, like Pratylenchus penetrans, have been closely associated with replant disease of cherries, apple and peaches [7,8] Until recently, this problem was resolved by the use of chemical soil disinfestation. The current alternative solutions (sowing of Rye grass, Tagetes, Japanese Oat or Phacelia) require a lot of time (one year extra compared to chemical disinfestation) between grubbing of the trees and the new plantation These green manures can form an attraction pole for other diseases (e.g., nematodes).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
