Arbuscular mycorrhizae in plant immunity and crop pathogen control

Pathogen control in crops causes world-wide yield and economic losses. Application of synthetic pesticides has downstream nefarious effects on the environment, ecosystem services, agroecosystem sustainability and consumer health; hence focus on biocontrol in recent years is most. The rhizosphere harbors both beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in competition and in complementary ecological functions. The role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizae is well known for supporting plant vigour, yield and maintaining soil sustainability, especially under stress. Inoculation of seeds and seedlings with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi is knownto mitigate disease severity fromsoil and air borne pathogens. We review the detailed pathway and molecular mechanism conferring induced disease resistance by arbuscular mycorrhizae. In low-input or organic farming arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can be effective low-cost tools for pathogen control and disease resistance. Symbiotic or complementary interactions with other rhizosphere organisms can be exploited in mixed inocula for additive or synergistic properties.