Abstract
With an increase in the global population, a protein-rich crop like soybean can help manage food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The expansion of soybean production in recent years lead to increased land requirements for growing the crop and the increased risk of exposing this valuable crop to various pests and diseases. Of these pests, plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), especially Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus spp., are of great concern. The increase in the population densities of these nematodes can cause significant damage to soybean. Furthermore, the use of crop rotation and cultivars (cvs.) with genetic resistance traits might not be effective for Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus control. This review builds on a previous study and focuses on the current nematode threat facing local soybean production, while probing into possible biological control options that still need to be studied in more detail. As soybean is produced on a global scale, the information generated by local and international researchers is needed. This will address the problem of the current global food demand, which is a matter of pressing importance for developing countries, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa.
Highlights
With an increase in the global population, a protein-rich crop like soybean can help manage food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Only as little as 2% of the yearly soybean production is used for direct human consumption [7], the high protein content of this crop has excellent potential for undernourished people worldwide, especially SSA
A recent study showed that 40–65% of people in SSA countries are employed in the agriculture sector, which contributes on average to 25% of the gross domestic product (GDP) [6]
Summary
United Nations (UN) estimates indicated that the world population increased from 6,145,007 to. 1,106,573) in the same period [1] This increase in population density can result in severe food insecurity especially in SSA, where food demand can increase by more than 300% by 2050. To help manage the food demand in SSA, alternative crops, such as soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), can be used. It is one of the most important summer legume crops worldwide that serves as an important dietary protein and oil source for animal and human consumption.
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