A Review On Root-Knot Nematode Infestation And Its Management Practices Through Different Approaches In Tomato

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in tomato is reported to cause yield reduction in a considerable amount world widely including the symptoms ranging from stunted growth, galled roots, chlorosis, wilting and eventually death of the host. Species of Meloidogyne labeled as a paramount pathogen for their devasting results in crop fields are pretty dominant in each temperate to tropical regions of the world. Due to the increasing destruction and losses by these nematodes the world food security is on stake questioning future food availability as well. From researchers to growers each one’s keen interest is the strategies and further plans to control the nematode infestation. While on their way of experiments and evaluation many solutions have crossed the path making biological one undoubtedly the smartest one. In tomato, the familiar plant integrities such as neem extracts, marigold, crotalaria, oat owning antagonistic nature was proven to nematode population greatly. Those small tiny creatures homing around the soil i.e. rhizobacteria, fungi were found to be the best weapon for combating averse to Meloidogyne spp. Chemical is also considered a good option unless it is limited to a line; since chemical nematicides are opposing the proposition of sustainable development in agriculture they are pushed behind making them limited for their necessity. The struggling debate on chemical vs biological solutions on the plant and crop conservation has been the topic of discussion since ages but one thing that we cannot overlook is the process of mechanism that is involved in biological ones is way more environmentally sound.