Rhizosphere Bacteria

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Rhizosphere =  a zone which includes the root surface and the soil closely associated with it (generally the soil that adheres to the roots after gentle shaking).

    Some rhizosphere-inhabiting bacteria (rhizobacteria) are antagonistic to plant-parasitic nematodes.  These bacteria inhibit nematode egg hatch and/or penetration of roots.  The mechanism by which antagonistic bacteria inhibit plant-parasitic nematodes is not known.  However, several hypotheses have been put forth:

1. Production of antibiotics that kill nematode eggs.
2. Degradation of  the root exudates that the nematode relies on for host location and to stimulate egg hatch.
3. Induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR).