Knowledge of Ethiopian Farmers Towards Root Knot Nematodes (RKNs) and the Impact of the Disease in Vegetable Production

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (<i>Meloidogyne</i> spp.) are one of the most common vegetable diseases. In warm moist sandy soil, they are the most problematic and damaging. With about 5500 plant hosts, it is an economically important obligatory plant parasite. They have a significant impact on important crops around the world, such as vegetables, fruits, and cereal harvests. In most cases, nematode damage to crops is not easily visible, and it is often obscured by the many other factors that limit plant growth. Much of the harm produced by nematodes remains unnoticed or is mistaken for other reasons such fungal infection, water stress, or other physiological diseases, and by the time the disease is discovered, the damage to crops has already been done. A key hindrance to the preservation of vegetable crops is a lack of understanding among farmers about the challenges created by root knot nematodes, as well as ineffective management measures to tackle the threat. Except for a few investors, almost all Ethiopian farmers are unaware of the relevance of plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Plant parasitic nematodes not only have a direct impact on agricultural crops, but they also have an indirect impact by exposing the host plant to secondary infection and causing disease complexity in the affected plants. As a result, when compared to other infections, root knot nematode control is extremely challenging. As a result, farmers should receive training and awareness of PPN signs and assaults from the relevant body.