Utilization of Biological Control for Managing Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

Abstract

Biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes can be accomplished either by application of antagonistic organisms, conservation and enhancement of indigenous antagonists, or a combination of both strategies. The application of biological control has been inconsistent in suppressing nematode populations because the efficacy of antagonists is influenced by other soil organisms and the host-plant. Integration of biological control with nematicides, solarization, organic amendments, and crop rotation has also had varied success. Progress in biological control of nematodes has been hampered by the opaque nature of soil, the microscopic size of nematodes and their antagonists, and the complex interactions among soil organisms. Molecular biology offers new tools that will aid in determining which organisms are involved in naturally-suppressive soils, the fate of introduced antagonists, and how populations of indigenous and introduced antagonists change seasonally and with different crop production practices. Moreover, organisms have been engineered to over-express traits that enhance their activity against plant-parasitic nematodes.