Plant-Eating Nematodes and the Key to Fighting Them

Abstract

Plant roots interact with many bacteria, fungi, and microscopic organisms within the soil that can impact how well the plants grow. Some of these microscopic organisms are animals called nematodes, and they are an especially important part of the life in the soil. Nematodes can be good, bad, and neutral for plants. Some scientists called nematologists study nematodes and how to prevent the bad ones from damaging important crops, like carrots. Nematologists and other scientists partner up to help farmers manage these pests and grow healthy crops.