Review on Root Knot Nematodes (Rkns): Impact and Methods For Control

Plant-parasitic nematodes are costly burdens of crop production and productivity. Phytoparasitic nematodes are associated with nearly every important agricultural crop and represent a significant constraint on global food security. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) rank at the top of list of the most economically and scientifically important species due to its intricate relationship with the host plants, wide host range, and the level of damage ensued by infection. Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., are recognized as the most economically important genus of plant parasitic nematodes worldwide. The nematode causes severe damage and yield loss to a large number of cultivated plants and especially on vegetable crops in the tropics and subtropics. The direct and indirect damage caused by various Meloidogyne species results in delayed maturity, toppling, reduced yields and quality of crop produce, high costs of production and therefore loss of income. In addition, emergence of resistance-breaking Meloidogyne species has partly rendered various pest management programs already in place ineffective, therefore putting food security of the continent at risk.