Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi ?A potential fungicide and nematicide

In the recent years, the use of chemical fertilizers for agriculture has substantially increased throughout the world. However, because of shortage of fertilizer supplies and the current cost of energy, which is used to produce fertilizers, the cost of fertilizer, both in terms of currency and energy, has been rising tremendously and will continue to rise. Therefore, the concept of using VAM fungi as a biofertilizer, is a promising perspective in terms of cost effectiveness and energy saving. The significance of VAM in augmenting food production is far and wide, therefore, these can be used in sustainable agriculture. Mycorrhiza are root-symbionts, which absorb organic compounds from the plant and provide mineral elements like N, P, K, Ca, S and Zn to the host plant.