Commentary, J Plant Physiol Pathol Vol: 12 Issue: 4

The Role of Soil Health in lightening Nematode Damage: Best Practices and Innovations

Cassia Dos^*

¹Department of Plant Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

*Corresponding Author: Cassia Dos,
Department of Plant Physiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
E-mail: cassia.dos@ufrgs.br

Received date: 27 June, 2024, Manuscript No. JPPP-24-143456;

Editor assigned date: 28 June, 2024, Pre QC No. JPPP-24-143456 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 15 July, 2024, QC No. JPPP-24-143456;

Revised date: 23 July, 2024, Manuscript No. JPPP-24-143456 (R);

Published date: 31 July, 2024, DOI: 10.4172/2329-955X.1000358

Citation: Dos C (2024) The Role of Soil Health in lightening Nematode Damage: Best Practices and Innovations. J Plant Physiol Pathol 12:4.

Description

Nematodes, minute soil-dwelling roundworms, are among the most pervasive and economically damaging pests affecting agricultural crops globally. Their parasitic interactions with plant roots can lead to severe crop losses and reduced productivity. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of nematode damage in crops, including methods for identification, the impact on agricultural systems, and various management strategies to mitigate their effects. Understanding these aspects is essential for developing effective approaches to manage nematode infestations and sustain agricultural productivity.

Inspecting plant roots for visible symptoms such as galls, knots, and lesions can provide initial indications of nematode damage. Collecting soil samples from the root zone helps in determining the presence and density of nematodes. Soil samples should be collected from different locations to obtain a representative sample. Techniques such as the Baermann funnel method, where soil is washed through a sieve and nematodes are collected in a funnel, can be used to extract nematodes from soil samples. Extracted nematodes can be examined under a microscope to identify species based on their morphological features, such as body shape and the presence of specialized structures like stylets. DNA-based techniques, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing, offer precise identification of nematode species and genetic variants. Nematode infestations can reduce crop yields by impairing root function and plant growth. For instance, root-knot nematodes can reduce yield by up to 50% in severely infested crops. Nematode damage can lead to poor-quality produce, such as smaller fruits, malformed vegetables, or reduced nutritional value, which affects marketability and economic returns. Managing nematode infestations often requires additional expenditures on nematicides, soil treatments, and other control measures, increasing overall production costs. Nematode feeding damages roots, impairing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. This leads to reduced plant growth and increased susceptibility to other stresses. Infested plants may exhibit poor growth, wilting, and reduced resilience to environmental stressors, affecting overall crop health and productivity. Nematode activity can disrupt soil structure and microbial communities. For example, root damage can lead to soil compaction and reduced microbial diversity, negatively impacting soil health and fertility. Rotating crops with non-host plants can help reduce nematode populations in the soil. By alternating crops that nematodes do not infest, the nematode lifecycle is disrupted, leading to population decline. Planting nematode-resistant crop varieties can significantly mitigate damage. Breeding programs have developed cultivars with resistance genes that provide protection against specific nematode species. Implementing field sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant debris and cleaning equipment, can help prevent the spread of nematodes and reduce their populations. Certain fungi, such as Paecilomyces lilacinus and Trichoderma spp., can parasitize and kill nematodes in the soil. These fungi are applied as soil amendments to control nematode populations. Predatory nematodes, such as Steinernema and Heterorhabditis species, feed on plant-parasitic nematodes. These predatory nematodes can be introduced into the soil to help control nematode populations. Chemical nematicides, including fumigants like methyl bromide (though its use is restricted due to environmental concerns) and non-fumigant nematicides such as abamectin and oxamyl, are used to control nematode populations. Proper application is essential for effective control and minimizing environmental impact.Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combining chemical control with cultural and biological practices in an integrated pest management approach provides a more sustainable solution. IPM focuses on reducing nematode populations while minimizing the reliance on chemical inputs. Adding organic materials, such as compost and green manures, can improve soil structure, enhance microbial diversity, and reduce nematode populations. Organic matter also boosts soil fertility and plant health. Soil solarization involves covering the soil with plastic sheeting to increase soil temperature, which can kill nematodes through heat. This technique is effective for managing nematode populations in the soil. Routine soil sampling and analysis provide information on nematode populations and help guide management decisions. Soil tests can indicate the need for nematicide applications or other control measures. Predictive models and tools can forecast nematode populations based on environmental conditions and cropping practices. These models help in planning and implementing targeted management strategies.