Plant Health and Rhizosphere Microbiome: Effects of the Bionematicide in Tomato Plants Infested by .

The artificial introduction in the soil of antagonistic microorganisms can be a successful strategy, alternative to agrochemicals, for the control of the root-knot nematodes ( spp.) and for preserving plant health. On the other hand, plant roots and the associated rhizosphere constitute a complex system in which the contribution of microbial community is fundamental to plant health and development, since microbes may convert organic and inorganic substances into available plant nutrients. In the present study, the potential nematicidal activity of the biopesticide ( strain MX-95) against the root-knot nematode in infected tomato plants was investigated. Specifically, the effect of the treatment on plant fitness was evaluated observing the plant morphological traits and also considering the nematode propagation parameters, the MX-95 vitality and population density. In addition, the treatment effects on the rhizosphere microbiome were analysed by a metabarcoding procedure. Treatments with isolate MX-95 significantly decreased root gall severity index and soil nematode population. The treatment also resulted in increased rhizosphere microbial populations. can be favourably considered as a new bionematicide to control infestation.