Belowground mutualists modulate growth and aboveground defense in potato: insights from mycorrhizal and entomopathogenic nematode interactions.

ABSTRACT:

Main conclusion

Soil application of entomopathogenic nematodes enhanced the growth and modulated the aboveground defenses in potato plants, while interactions with mycorrhizal fungi shaped the volatile emissions and herbivory, underscoring the nematodes as primary drivers in multi-mutualistic systems. Plants frequently engage with multiple belowground mutualists simultaneously, yet the outcomes of such multi-partner associations for plant traits and herbivore resistance remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the independent and combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Rhizophagus irregularis) and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs; Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) on the growth and defense phenotype of potato (Solanum tuberosu

SUBMITTER: Martin-Cacheda L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12644124 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature