ANIFOWOSE AISHAT ADETOLA

Ms. Anifowose is a plant nematologist researching the molecular and evolutionary regulation of plant defence against plant parasitic nematodes. Her experience spans molecular biology, nematode population genetics, and sustainable control strategies, including effective microorganisms based approaches. She is currently focused on translating mechanistic insights from plant–nematode interactions into biologically informed crop protection solutions. She has served as a peer reviewer for New Phytologist, Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica, Punjab University Journal of Zoology.

EDUCATION

M.Sc. in Crop Protection; University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
B. Agric. in Crop Protection and Environmental Biology; University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Plant Science, Biotechnology

Scopus Publications

Carbohydrate dynamics in plant–fungal–nematode networks: implications for stress resilience
Chris A. Bell, Aishat A. Anifowose, Krzysztof Wieczorek
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2026
Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most destructive agricultural pests, driving substantial yield losses across diverse cropping systems through their exploitation of plant resources. Conversely, root-associated obligate mutualistic fungi, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic taxa such as Serendipita spp., can reshape plant responses to nematode attack by increasing nutrient uptake, modulating stress responses, and influencing immune signalling. These fungi form intimate symbioses with plant roots, exchanging mineral nutrients for host-derived carbohydrates, placing carbon allocation at the centre of plant-fungal-nematode interactions. This review synthesises current understanding of the tripartite interactions between plants, mutualistic fungi, and plant-parasitic nematodes, with a particular focus on carbohydrate allocation as a shared and contested resource. We discuss how nematodes redirect host carbon flows to establish and maintain feeding sites, and how fungal mutualists alter carbohydrate partitioning, plant defence and stress physiology. Importantly, we highlight that fungal symbioses do not uniformly enhance resistance; in some cases, they may increase host susceptibility to nematodes by altering carbohydrate availability or defence prioritisation. By integrating findings across plant-fungal-nematode systems, this review identifies mechanisms that underpin resistance- versus susceptibility-enhancing outcomes and outlines key knowledge gaps. Together, these insights provide a framework to inform the strategic use of beneficial fungi to strengthen crop resilience against nematode stress.
Susceptibility of Sweet Potato Varieties to Meloidogyne incognita and Use of Effective Microorganisms and Compost Manure for the Disease Management
Aishat Adetola Anifowose, Nkechi Betsy Izuogu, Benoit Katchitche Sossou
Pakistan Journal of Nematology, 2023
Controlling root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tomatoes using modified effective microorganisms-fermented plant extract and compost manure
International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 2022

Publications

Anifowose, A.A., Izuogu, N.B. and Sossou, B.K. (2023): Susceptibility of sweet potato varieties to Meloidogyne incognita and use of effective microorganisms and compost manure for the disease management. Pakistan Journal of Nematology, 41(2): 135-143, Published by the Pakistan Society of Nematologists. Available online at

Sossou B.K., Izuogu, N.B., Anifowose, A.O. and Ahamefule, H.E. (2022): Controlling root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tomatoes using modified effective microorganisms-fermented plant extract and compost manure. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 11: 427-436, Published by the Islamic Azad University, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Doi:10.30486/

Bell CA, Anifowose AA and Wieczorek K (2026) Carbohydrate dynamics in plant–fungal–nematode networks: implications for stress resilience. Front. Plant Sci. 17:1825021. doi: 10.3389/

Baba, H.S, Izuogu,N. B., Anifowoshe, A., Bello, H., Asaramoge, J., Apalowo,O.A. and Olayiwola, S.A. (2025). Efficacy of Poultry Manure on Meloidogyne incognita Infection of Beetroot crop. International Journal of Phytofuels aand Allied Sciences. (ISSN 2354 1784)

1. Izuogu, N. B., Anifowose, A. A. & Adigun, A B. (2024). Chemical characterization of Hyptis suaveolens and Bridelia ferruginea and their assessment for nematocidal properties against Meloido

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, or ACADEMIC BENEFITS

HONOURS AND DISTINCTIONS:
Departmental Prize: Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan – 2015
Zard Scholarship: Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan – 2015
The Shell Company of Nigeria Ltd. Prize in Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan – 2015
The Pfizer Prize in Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan – 2015
Best Student in Chemistry and Yoruba Language: Federal Government Girls' College, Omu-Aran – 2009
Scholar on the Dean's Honours Roll, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan– 2011/2012 session
The Prestigious badge of honour: Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Women Unit (Sea School), Apapa, Lagos– 2008