Soil Microbiota and Mechanisms of Plant Parasitic Nematode Suppression

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are distributed worldwide and cause significant losses in agricultural fields. For the sustainable productivity of crops, the management of PPNs is necessary. Various practices, including chemical nematicides, have effectively reduced PPN outbreaks. Various industries manufacture chemical nematicides available in the market, but these chemicals affect non-target organisms also. Various sustainable and non-agrochemical methods have been identified to overcome this effect, resulting in the reduction of PPN outbreaks with a reduced interference in soil health. Using natural enemies of nematodes is the most promising method among all practices, relying on antagonizing microorganisms of soil microhabitats. Some of these microbes act as endoparasites of nematodes that produce toxins to kill their host. Others capture and kill the target organisms. Understanding the mechanism of action of these suppressors provides crucial insights to develop suitable bio-control agents for PPN management.