![]() ![]() Microorganisms that adversely affect plant growth and health are the pathogenic fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and nematodes, whereas microorganisms that are beneficial include nitrogen-fixing bacteria, endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and fungi. The microbial community in the rhizosphere also harbors members that exert deleterious or beneficial effects on the plant. Many members of this community have a neutral effect on the plant, but are part of the complex food web that utilizes the large amount of carbon that is fixed by the plant and released into the rhizosphere (i.e. Microbial groups and other agents found in the rhizosphere include bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa, algae and microarthropods (Lynch 1990 Raaijmakers 2001). The rhizosphere is an environment that the plant itself helps to create and where pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms constitute a major influential force on plant growth and health (Lynch 1990). We also discuss how agricultural practices affect pathogen and antagonist populations and how these practices can be adopted to promote plant growth and health. Specific attention is given to mechanisms involved in the tripartite interactions between beneficial microorganisms, pathogens and the plant. This review focuses on the population dynamics and activity of soilborne pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. A wide range of microorganisms are beneficial to the plant and include nitrogen-fixing bacteria, endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi. The rhizosphere is also a battlefield where the complex rhizosphere community, both microflora and microfauna, interact with pathogens and influence the outcome of pathogen infection. Most of the soilborne pathogens are adapted to grow and survive in the bulk soil, but the rhizosphere is the playground and infection court where the pathogen establishes a parasitic relationship with the plant. ![]() ![]() Microorganisms that adversely affect plant growth and health are the pathogenic fungi, oomycetes, bacteria and nematodes. The rhizosphere harbors many organisms that have a neutral effect on the plant, but also attracts organisms that exert deleterious or beneficial effects on the plant. The rhizosphere is a hot spot of microbial interactions as exudates released by plant roots are a main food source for microorganisms and a driving force of their population density and activities. ![]()
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