Summarizing, these results show that the inoculation
with H. schachtii during the biotrophic colonization stage of
P. indica (–3 treatment) led to a significant reduction in the
number of nematode infection sites and disturbed nematode
development. Potential mechanical barriers formed by the
hyphae hindering J2 migration or syncytium expansion may
play a secondary and rather minor role. Hence, the data suggest
that fungal-derived chemicals, exudates, and cell-wall compounds
cause the major inhibitory effects on the development
of H. schachtii in Arabidopsis roots. The presented data introduce
P. indica as a new nematode-antagonistic fungus. They
improve the understanding on the interaction between different
organisms and provide essential information for applied
agricultural and pest management practices. Future identification
of P. indica-derived compounds with anti-nematode
activity could present a significant progress for developing new
agriculturally beneficial and environmentally friendly agents.