Towards Innovative Strategies for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Biocontrol in Olive Tree Nurseries

Management of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) is a major challenge in the agricultural sector. In Morocco, the development of intensive agriculture stipulated in the “Morocco Green Plan” resulted in a higher prevalence of plant diseases and nematode emergence. In olive nurseries and orchards, nematodes imperil productions. Furthermore, nurseries constitute a significant source of orchards introduction of PPN via transplant of rooted plants. In this chapter, we review information on nursery nematological risks associated with intensive olive productions, focusing on threats that impact crops and agricultural ecosystems. The diversity of nematodes associated with olive trees may be controlled via interactions with fungi. Among nematophagous fungi, those which form nematode traps are of particular interest. In this chapter, we also summarize biological control methods that may directly and indirectly impact PPN. The potential applications of such understandings to control phytophagous soil nematodes are also discussed.