Nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora recruited rhizosphere microorganisms to cooperate in controlling root-knot nematodes in tomato.

This article focuses on the role of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora in remodeling the rhizosphere microbiome to biologically control root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) infecting tomato plants. The study demonstrated that A. oligospora treatment reduced nematode-induced disease by 53.6%, decreased bacterial diversity, and increased fungal diversity in the tomato rhizosphere. Key bacterial taxa enriched by the treatment included Acidobacteriota, Firmicutes (notably Bacilli), and Bradyrhizobium, while fungal taxa such as Glomeromycota and Purpureocillium were also increased; these microbes are implicated in nutrient cycling, symbiosis, and direct nematode antagonism. Functional analyses indicated enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and shifts in fungal community roles, and co-occurrence network analysis revealed greater microbial interaction complexity following A. oligospora application. These findings provide insights into microbial collaborations underpinning nematode biocontrol and support the development of compound biocontrol agents based on nematode-trapping fungi.