Prevalence of potato cyst (Globodera spp.) nematode and potato root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematode in Kenya and potential management strategies: A review

Nematodes are very diverse and could be free-living or plant parasite species. Amongst the existing categories, the most aggressive ones are the root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), and cyst nematode (Globodera spp.). These categories affect over 2000 susceptible crop species causing varying yield losses, reaching 100% under heavy infestations in potatoes. The common root-knot nematode and cyst nematode hosts include tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and other solanaceous plants, including Physalis spp., Datura spp., Hyoscyamus spp., Physoclaina spp., Salpiglossis spp., and Saracha spp. These nematodes are disseminated mainly through irrigation water, rainfall runoffs, infested soil particles, commercial seed potato tubers, contaminated footwear, animal hooves, farm implements, and machinery. Effective control of nematodes requires farmers to practice integrated nematode management systems with a combination of at least two management practices. Several cultural and agronomic practices have shown some decent levels of efficacy, thus recommended for adoption. Timely application of these practices is critical for achieving better outcomes. Among the management strategies, applying nematicides is the most effective in the short term. It is important to be cautious when using these chemicals, as they pose significant risks to humans and the environment. Again, these products are costly, especially those within moderate to low toxicity, making them unsustainable and out of reach for most small-scale farmers.