RHIZOSPHERE EFFECT OF HORTICULTURAL PLANTS LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.) AND TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) ON NEMATOPHAGOUS SPECIES FROM FUNGAL COENOSES

The presence of nematophagous fungi in microbial communities from horticultural plants grown in greenhouses is considered beneficial because they are possible biological control agents of plant-parasitic nematodes. Previous studies performed to elucidate the rhizosphere effect on nematode-trapping fungi are scarce and therefore is important to investigate the ecology of nematophagous fungi in the rhizosphere of different plants. The aim of this paper is to present the results of research carried out in greenhouse conditions to compare the rhizosphere effect of two horticultural plants, represented by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on naturally occurring nematophagous fungi with special focus on nematode-trapping fungi and endoparasitic fungi, as well as ecological aspects in fungal community structure and functions. Nematophagous fungi from lettuce rhizosphere belong to nematode-trapping species (Arthrobotrys oligospora, Dactylaria candida, Monacrosporium cionopagum) and endoparasitic species (Harposporium anquillulae,). Excepting Dactylaria candida, the same nematophagous species were identified in the rhizosphere of tomato plants. In both plant rhizospheres, different adhesive or non-adhesive hyphal structures to capture nematodes and non-adhesive infection conidia detected were photographed and presented.