Plant health status effects on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with *Lavandula angustifolia* and *Lavandula intermedia* infected by Phytoplasma in France

This study investigated the root communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in relation to lavender (*Lavandula angustifolia*) and lavandin (*Lavandula intermedia*) health status from organic and conventional fields affected by Phytoplasma infection. The intensity of root mycorrhizal colonization was significantly higher in healthy plants, with this difference being more pronounced in lavender. AMF diversity was influenced by plant health status primarily in conventionally grown lavender, showing increased abundance and richness in healthy plants. Lavandin showed no such response. Specific AMF MOTUs were significantly more abundant in healthy plants of both species under both agricultural practices. The study demonstrates that plant health status influences AMF colonization, diversity, and distribution, with effects varying by species and agricultural practice.

Marie-Noëlle Binet, Camille Marchal, Justine Lipuma, Roberto A. Geremia, Olivier Bagarri, Bert Candaele, Delphine Fraty, Benjamin David, Sophie Perigon, Viviane Barbreau, Bello Mouhamadou