Influence of a mycorrhizal fungus Glomus fasciculatum on the host - Parasite relationship of Rotylenchulus reniformis in cowpea

Interactive relationship of a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. Glomus fasciculatum and a plant parasitic nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis on cowpea was studied in greenhouse. Four levels each of these organisms were used either singly or in combinations. Mycorrhizal fungus enhanced total biomass as well as fresh root weight while the nematode reduced them. The interaction effects were significant. The final numbers of the nematode were more in the presence of fungus whereas the nematode did not influence the spore numbers though it interfered with mycorrhizal colonization. The VAM induced tolerance in cowpea to the nematode even in the presence of damaging levels of the nematode under phosphorus-deficient conditions.