Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi- as a major biocontrol agent in modern sustainable agriculture system

Abstract

In the present agricultural system, the discriminate use of synthetic chemical fertilizers has predominantly increased throughout the world. Moreover, using excessive use of fertilizers to increase production deteriorates the various soil qualities and pollute water body environment. So using VAM fungi as a biocontrol agent in modern sustainable agriculture, in terms of various parameters like reduction of damage caused by various pathogens, cost effectiveness, energy saving and also as an environment friendly, is a promising perspective in modern agriculture. Also control of plant pathogens in modern agriculture is presently accepted as a key practice in sustainable agriculture because it is based on the management of certain rhizosphere organisms, common components of ecosystems, known to develop antagonistic activities against harmful organisms. Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi interact with other microorganisms in the rhizosphere and various other soil constituents. Upon root colonization by VAMF, there occurs profound physiological changes in the host plant. Present agriculture system increasing demand for low-input agriculture and creates greater interest in soil microorganisms which are able to accelerate plant nutrition, health and improve soil quality. The importance of VAM in incresaing food production is far and wide; therefore these can be used in modern sustainable agriculture particulary as biocontrol agent. This review highlights the different interactions of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (VAMF) and the rule of these interactions in the biological control of plant pathogens. But the commercial use of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (VAMF) as biocontrol agents is still in its infancy. The main reason is the poor understanding of the mechanisms of the modes of action of VAM fungi in association with the host plants.