Functional diversity and evolutionary strategies in nematophagous fungi and plant parasitic nematodes interactions - a review

Abstract

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes (PPNs) cause substantial economic losses globally and severely undermine food security. In this context, nematophagous fungi (NFs) have emerged as promising agents of sustainable biocontrol, owing to their ability to attack, parasitise, and digest nematodes through diverse mechanisms. This review analyses the taxonomic diversity, mechanisms of action, and evolutionary relationships of NFs, highlighting the primary functional groups recognized for their ecosystem services in soil. These include trapping fungi, endoparasites, egg and female parasites, toxin producers, and species possessing mechanical attachment structures. Furthermore, the ecological and biological factors influencing the efficacy of these microorganisms are discussed, including the role of secondary metabolites, interactions with symbiotic bacteria, and the impact of soil micro-environmental conditions. Published phylogenetic frameworks suggest that capture devices represent pivotal traits in the evolutionary history of these organisms, pointing to distinct evolutionary pathways between adhesive and non-adhesive strategies. Overall, the biodiversity of NFs within soil microbial communities constitutes a strategic resource for developing innovative approaches to the sustainable management of PPNs.