Plants Specifically Modulate the Microbiome of Root-Lesion Nematodes in the Rhizosphere, Affecting Their Fitness

Plant-parasitic nematodes are a major constraint on agricultural production. They significantly impede crop yield. To complete their parasitism, they need to locate, disguise, and interact with plant signals exuded in the rhizosphere of host plant. A specific subset soil microbiome can attach surface manner. We hypothesized that plants recruit species microbes as helpers against attacking nematode species, these differ among species. investigated what extend attached microbial determined by root exudates, how affect nematodes. conditioned different then employed culture-independent culture-dependent methods study attachment cuticle phytonematode Pratylenchus penetrans. Community fingerprints nematode-attached fungi bacteria showed govern associated cuticle. Bacteria isolated from belonged Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Sphingobacteria, Firmicutes. The isolates Microbacterium sp. i.14, Lysobacter capsici i.17, Alcaligenes i.37 highest rates Bacillus cereus i.24 L. i.17 antagonized P. penetrans after attachment. Significantly more suspensions bulk or oat compared Ethiopian mustard rhizosphere. However, latter caused better suppression nematode. Conditioning exudates decreased number i.14 attaching cuticle, suggesting induced changes structure. These findings will lead knowledge-driven exploitation antagonists plant-parasitic for protection.