Environmentally safe methods for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are the most widespread group of harmful organisms, capable of causing significant damage to agricultural crops and substantial yield losses. In areas affected by nematodes, secondary infections caused by pathogenic fungi and bacteria often develop; moreover, nematodes serve as vectors of viruses, further aggravating the phytosanitary condition of agroecosystems. Traditional control methods, such as thermotherapy and fumigation, have a number of limitations, including short-term efficacy, toxicity to humans and the environment, accumulation of pesticides in soil and agricultural produce, and the risk of pathogen resistance development. Consequently, there is an urgent need to search for, study, and implement environmentally safe methods for protecting plants against plant-parasitic nematodes. The aim of this study is to synthesize and analyze current domestic and international data on plant-parasitic nematodes as one of the most significant factors reducing crop yields, and to assess the prospects for the application of environmentally safe biological and biotechnological plant protection methods. Recent research highlights the potential of nematophagous fungi (Arthrobotrys, Trichoderma, Purpureocillium, Metarhizium, Beauveria), which suppress nematodes through predation, parasitism, or toxin production; antagonistic bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia), which synthesize antibiotics, enzymes, and toxins, activate plant defense responses, and compete for resources. An important role is also assigned to various agrotechnical practices that can reduce the invasive load and stabilize the phytosanitary condition of the soil. The use of antagonistic plants and phytochemical agents is also relevant. Thus, biological methods for protecting plants against plant-parasitic nematodes represent a promising alternative to chemical nematicides.