**6.1 Resistance to pathogens**

In the agricultural industry, AMF can be utilized as a biological agent against many plant diseases, providing an effective substitute for chemical pesticides by fostering sustainability and lowering the hazards to the general populace's health [62]. It is known that AMF symbiosis helps to lessen the harm done by a variety of soil-borne diseases, such as nematodes and fungi that are responsible for significant production losses [63]. The following are the biological control mechanisms of AMF against pathogens:


*Recent Advances in Plant: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associations and Their Application… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108100*

dependent on host photosynthates. The increasing carbon demand, though, might prevent pathogen growth since AMF have main access to photosynthates [63].

iv.The activation of the host defense mechanisms: AMF colonization causes the activation of the host defense mechanisms. Examples of these defense mechanisms are the synthesis of Phytoalexins, phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes, chitinases, b-1,3-glucanases, peroxidases, pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, callose, hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGP), and phenolics are amongst the biological controls that the host plant produces in response to AMF [65].

For instance, the capacity of two local AMF species (*A. Colombiana* and *A. appendicula*) to promote growth and enhance resistance to root-knot nematode and water stresses in the cassava Yayo cultivar was examined using both single and multiple inoculations in a greenhouse setting. It was determined that of the two AMF species, *A. colombiana* greatly boosted cassava growth and drought tolerance. However, *A. colombiana* and *A. appendicula* both gave cassava plants bioprotective properties against the nematode, including tolerance or resistance [22]. Finally, Investigations into the effects of the ACMV (African Cassava Mosaic Virus) on AMF root colonization and leaf symptoms were conducted. The results revealed that both mycorrhized and non-mycorrhized plants had comparable colonization parameters, and ACMV infection after mycorrhization establishment, had no effect on the AMF root colonization [66].

## **6.2 The advantages of arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi interaction with other beneficial soil microorganisms**

Several soil microorganisms engage in interactions with AMF [67]. The interactions of AMF with other microorganisms could either be positive, neutral, or negative [68]. They could help plants acquire nutrients, biologically regulate pathogens that cause root infections, and increase soil quality and plant resistance to abiotic stress [65, 68]. Similar to how AMF and plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) collaborate to aid the growth of the host plant [67]. While AMF and nitrogen-fixing bacteria provide plants with essential soil nutrients, More et al.'s [69] hypothesis states that co-inoculating PGPR and AMF will have the greatest synergistic effects. This notion was confirmed by the interactions in their experiment between AMF and modifying rhizobial bacteria [69, 70].
