A Review on Root-Knot Nematode Infestation and Its Management Practices Through Different Approaches in Tomato

Abstract

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in tomato is reported to cause yield reduction in a considerable amount world widely including the symptoms ranging from stunted growth, galled roots, chlorosis, wilting and eventually death of the host. Species of Meloidogyne labeled as a paramount pathogen for their devasting results in crop fields are pretty dominant in each temperate to tropical regions of the world. Due to the increasing destruction and losses by these nematodes the world food security is on stake questioning future food availability as well. From researchers to growers each one's keen interest is the strategies and further plans to control the nematode infestation. While on their way of experiments and evaluation many solutions have crossed the path making biological one undoubtedly the smartest one. In tomato, the familiar plant integrities such as neem extracts, marigold, crotalaria, oat owning antagonistic nature were proven to reduce nematode population greatly. Those small tiny creatures homing around the soil i.e. rhizobacteria, fungi were found to be the best weapon for combating averse to Meloidogyne spp. Chemical is also considered a good option unless it is limited to a line; since chemical nematicides are opposing the proposition of sustainable development in agriculture they are pushed behind making them limited for their necessity. The struggling debate on chemical vs biological solutions on the plant and crop conservation has been the topic of discussion since ages but one thing that we cannot overlook is the process of mechanism that is involved in biological ones which is considered way more environmentally sound.

Mechanism of Antagonistic Bioagents in Controlling Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne sp.): A Review

“…This has been linked to its ability to minimize root-knot disease [115,116] Trichoderma is rhizosphere dwellers that colonize the surface of plant roots. Their antagonism effect is primarily directed at fungi, yet has an impact on the life cycle of the RKN [117,118].…”

Characterization of Meloidogyne spp. and population density of phytoparasitic nematodes associated with alliaceae crops in the Arequipa region, Peru

“…Respecto a la producción de los diferentes cultivos agrícolas afectados por nematodos fitoparásitos se estima pérdidas de entre 80 y 118 mil millones de dólares anuales a nivel mundial (Yadav et al, 2023). Siendo uno de los principales géneros de nematodos fitoparásitos de amplia distribución geográfica Meloidogyne (nematodo de las agallas) el cual tiene una amplia gama de hospedantes y afecta un gran número de cultivos (Maleita et al, 2022), ocasionando un crecimiento atrofiado, excoriación de las raíces, retraso del crecimiento, clorosis, marchitez prematura y una reducción general del crecimiento de la planta (Rawal, 2020).…”

“…Por ello, están directamente asociados a las raíces y el suelo (Faruk, 2019), posicionándose como una de las principales amenazas para la producción mundial de estos cultivos y causan pérdidas considerables (Nimgarri et al, 2023). Por ende, se le considera un género destructivo, con efectos devastadores y es más frecuente donde las temperaturas oscilan entre 18 y 27 °C, desde regiones templadas a tropicales del mundo (Rawal, 2020). Dentro de este género, las especies relacionadas a cultivos hortícolas de acuerdo con su importancia y abundancia en Turquía son M. incognita con mayor incidencia seguido de M. javanica, quien se presentó en menor incidencia (Gürkan & Çetintaş, 2024), mientras que en Portugal Meloidogyne incognita y M. javanica resultaron ser las especies más prevalentes, seguidas por M. arenaria y M. hapla (Rusinque et al, 2023).…”

Mapping of the gene in tomato conferring resistance to root-knot nematodes at high soil temperature

“…Management methods for RKNs include crop rotation with resistant varieties or less-susceptible crops (Talavera et al, 2009;Abd-Elgawad, 2022), cultural and tillage practices (Marquez and Hajihassani, 2023), microbial biocontrol agents (Hashem and Abo-Elyousr, 2011) and nematicides (Rawal, 2020;Phani et al, 2021). Using resistant varieties is one of the most common and successful control methods today due to their lack of residue, ease of application and environmental friendliness (Devran and Sögüt, 2010).…”