Plant Parasitic Nematodes: Challenges and Way Forward for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are a significant but under-recognised threat to global agricultural productivity, causing substantial yield losses in cereal, pulse, oilseed, vegetable and horticultural crops. These microscopic soil-borne pests damage root systems, impair nutrient and water absorption, and predispose plants to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, thereby intensifying crop health problems. Traditional PPN management has depended heavily on chemical nematicides; however, their high cost, persistence in the environment, non-target effects and increasing regulatory restrictions have reduced their long-term suitability. Climate change, intensive cropping systems and declining soil biodiversity may further increase nematode pressure in many agroecosystems. Sustainable nematode management therefore requires an ecological and integrated approach. Recent evidence indicates that resistant and tolerant cultivars, crop rotation and diversification, organic amendments, biological control agents and soil-health-based practices can reduce nematode populations while supporting ecosystem services. Emerging tools, including molecular diagnostics, genomics-assisted breeding and precision agriculture, provide opportunities for earlier detection, targeted intervention and improved understanding of nematode-plant-microbe interactions. This review consolidates current challenges associated with plant-parasitic nematodes and outlines future directions for sustainable management strategies that prioritise productivity, environmental safety and long-term soil resilience. Strengthening farmer awareness, policy support and interdisciplinary research will be essential for translating these strategies into practical and scalable solutions for sustainable agriculture.