Tackling the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii: Challenges and strategies for control in relevant crops
摘要
Nematodes are vital in terrestrial ecosystems, shaping global food chains and soil nutrient cycling. Root-knot nematodes, however, such as Meloidogyne enterolobii, pose a great threat as plant parasites, affecting diverse plant species. This review explores essential environmental factors and tactics for handling M. enterolobii. The influences of climate and soil composition on the pathogen life cycle and on its global distribution will be highlighted. We also discuss molecular and imaging techniques for nematode identification, and on different control strategies, such as chemical, cultural and biological. Features such as plant genetic resistance and the chemical basis of susceptibility and resistance to these phytopathogens are covered together with important advances on marker-assisted selection, genetic modification of plants with resistance genes and suppression of specific nematode effector-coding genes. Despite the progress in this field, the control of M. enterolobii remains a challenge, requiring additional research efforts. From a biotechnological perspective, the development of biological inputs for this nematode control holds promise. These bioinputs offer advantages beyond their direct effects, promoting sustainability, reducing environmental impacts, reducing costs associated with intensive pesticide and fertilizer applications, and increasing productivity while maintaining food security.