Compilation of Research Works that Contributed to the Development of Algerian Agricultural Nematology: A Review

Investigation on plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) in Algeria date back to the late 19th century. Important research has been performed since this period until currently generating significant information. The aim of this literature assembling is making available an outline of the current situation of plant nematology in the country. This review is based on the available information existing at universities’ libraries and research articles obtained by visiting web pages and Google Scholar. All pertinent information was collected from 2018 until today. This review article shows three periods for Algerian agricultural nematology: First period includes the years of French colonialism and two decades after independence. Publications on PPN started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by French and Italian researchers, working in Algeria. The second period (1980-end 1990s) was characterized by the emergence of Algerian researchers. They successively became central academics having the responsibility to educate graduate students. Their research topics were studies on geographical distribution and evaluation of damage degrees of some PPN. The third period (2000 until today) is characterized by the progression in nematological research in the country; research topics expanded and became more diverse. Collaboration between universities, National Institute of Agronomic Research and National Institute of Plant Protection are the organisations contributing to the development of nematology. Till date, a total of 38 genera and 43 species of PPN including economically important nematodes were documented in Algeria.