Egg-Parasitic Fungi and Nematode Management

Sedentary phytonematodes are economically important pests that should sustainably be managed. Chemical nematicides have continued as the most routine controlling methods but must be substituted with other safer methods because of their adverse impact on environmental pollution. The application of fungal biocontrol agents or their derivatives is a promising method that has attracted the attention of many researchers. Pochonia, Purpureocillium, Trichoderma, and Lecanicillium are the most important egg-parasitic fungi frequently associated with suppressive soils. Parasitic fungi can antagonize phytonematodes mainly by direct parasitism, stimulating plant resistance and promoting its growth. Many egg and female-parasitic fungi have endophytic lifestyles whose interactions with roots may up-regulate salicylic acid-dependent resistance or pathogenesis-related genes. The mentioned characteristics make egg and female parasitic fungi a promising substitute for managing phytonematodes. This chapter reviews current taxonomy, biology, ecology, and mode of action of egg-parasitic fungi and show their significance against phytonematodes. However, more in-depth studies about the factors that enhance the virulence of those fungi and new genetic tools will improve the possibility of their success as a reliable method to produce robust and durable nematode control.