Studies were performed in the experimental area of Embrapa Agrobiologia, region - RJ, in
order to evaluate the association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with a variety of
banana “Grand nine ", and the potential antagonist in AMF biocontrol nematodes. We also
tested biological indicators and products as alternatives to monitoring and restoration of
ecosystems with bananas. The first study evaluated the microbial activity in soil samples from
two management systems with bananas in the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu, RJ. In the
second study, was evaluated the AGAS organic product for the control of nematodes in
banana. In the third, was evaluated the potential antagonist in AMF biocontrol nematode
Radophulus similis and their contribution in the development of banana plants in the
greenhouse. In the fourth study was estimated the effect of using two management systems
with bananas in the community of soil fauna in Casimiro de Abreu, RJ. The indices of
diversity, richness and density of macrofauna groups was calculate in each system. The results
indicated no significant differences between management systems in relation to carbon and
nitrogen levels of microbial biomass and soil organic carbon ratio vs. carbon microbial
biomass in each season, while the variables soil basal respiration and metabolic quotient
indicated that the organic farming system was greater efficiency of microbial biomass and the
use of substrate by soil microorganisms than the system with conventional tillage. The
organic product AGAS showed significant difference in population of the nematode
Meloidogyne spp. and Radophulus similis both in samples of roots after 60 days of treated. In
the field was control to phytoparasitic R. similis with the AGAS treatment showing a decrease
in soil at 120 days. In the laboratory tests were performed with R. similis and the results
demonstrated that the effects of exposure of nematodes to organic product showed a high
percentage of control, especially in higher dosages with a 100% with respect to the nematicide
effect in Radophulus. Regarding the development of plants in treatments with species of
arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculated in banana no significant difference. The foliar
phosphorus analyzed varied significantly in the treatment with the fungus Scutellospora
calospora, and foliar calcium and magnesium for the treatments with fungi: S. calospora,
Entrhopospora colombiana and S. calospora + Glomus clarum. AMF reduced the population
of the nematode R. similis in roots of banana plants in a greenhouse, and S. calospora and G.
clarum were the most efficient. In soil macrofauna results indicated a reduction in the banana
organic system, with lower density and lower richness of taxonomic groups when compared
with the conventional system. The group of decomposers and predators showed better soil
quality in organic farming system especially in the summer due to its greater diversity and
density at this season of year.
