Increased tolerance to the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus vulnus in mycorrhizal micropropagated BA-29 quince rootstock

The interaction between Glomus intraradices and the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus vulnus was studied on micropropagated BA-29 quince rootstock during one growing season. Inoculation with G. intraradices significantly increased growth of plants in low P soil and was more effective than P fertilization at increasing top-plant development. In the presence of the nematode, mycorrhizal plants achieved higher values in all growth parameters measured. P. vulnus caused a significant decrease in the percentage of root length colonized by G. intraradices and fewer internal vesicles were formed within the host roots. Enhanced root mass production accounted for the twofold increase in final nematode population recovered from plants with combined inoculations of pathogen and symbiont. Low levels were found of Al, Fe, Mn and Zn in nonmycorrhizal nematode-infected plants in low P soil. G. intraradices-inoculated plants reached the highest foliar levels of N, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu and Zn. Mycorrhizal plants infected with P. vulnus maintained normal to high levels of Mn, Cu, and Zn. Inoculation with G. intraradices favours quince growth and confers protection against P. vulnus by improving plant nutrition.