Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as biocontrol agents for Fusarium and nematode complex in cape gooseberry

Overview

This research investigates the use of native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biocontrol agents to manage the combined pathogen complex of Fusarium oxysporum and Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematodes) in cape gooseberry (Physalis spp.), a high-value Andean crop in Colombia. Prior greenhouse and field work by the research team demonstrated that local AMF isolates can reduce the negative effects of F. oxysporum alone. This project extends that work to address the more realistic field scenario where Fusarium and nematodes co-occur, a common situation in Andean production systems. The goal is to develop a biologically based, sustainable disease management strategy that reduces dependence on chemical pesticides while supporting plant health and yield.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Trials will be conducted using two cape gooseberry materials under a subdivided plot design
• Treatments combine presence or absence of F. oxysporum, Meloidogyne spp., and three native AMF isolates, plus an untreated control
• Post-inoculation measurements include nematode population dynamics, AMF spore counts, disease progression, and plant development parameters
• Root samples will be analyzed for AMF intraradical colonization and expression of resistance-related genes in Physalis root tissue
• The study will assess whether resistance genes previously reported as overexpressed under Fusarium pressure respond differently under the triple Fusarium–Meloidogyne–AMF infection scenario

Key features:

• Builds on validated prior results showing AMF efficacy against F. oxysporum in cape gooseberry
• Addresses a previously unstudied pathogen interaction specific to cape gooseberry
• Leverages locally isolated AMF strains adapted to Andean agroecological conditions

Technology readiness level

The AMF isolates have already shown efficacy against F. oxysporum in cape gooseberry under both greenhouse and field conditions. This project represents the next validation stage, extending findings to the more complex and realistic Fusarium–nematode co-infection scenario. The work is currently at the controlled experimental validation phase, with planned trials designed to generate data on gene expression, colonization rates, and disease outcomes that will inform future field-scale deployment of AMF-based biocontrol strategies for cape gooseberry producers in Colombia and similar Andean cropping systems.