TABLE CONTENTS

Similarities and Differences in Nematode Problems and Management
Strategies as Revealed by a World-wide Questionnaire
Wesemael, W. (1), E. de la Peña (2), M. Moens (1) & R.N. Perry (3)
(1) Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 96, B-9820 Merelbeke,
Belgium; (2) Terrestrial Ecology Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences-Ghent University, K.L.
Ledeganckstraat 35, B-9000 Gent, Belgium; (3) Plant Pathology and Microbiology Department, Rothamsted
Research, Harpenden, Herts. AL5 2JQ, UK
The last two decades’ research on plant-parasitic nematodes has been confronted with
interesting challenges. Molecular techniques have been developed and introduced,
environmental and food safety concerns have raised questions as to the ubiquitous use of
nematicides, and biological control has become more important. New threats have arisen
from global trade and climate change. Results from a world-wide questionnaire has provided
up-to date information on the impact of plant-parasitic nematodes, the control measures
currently used to control them and the status of research on plant-parasitic nematodes. In
total, 285 nematologists and plant pathologists from 52 countries contributed. Most responses
came from Europe (24.6%) followed by Asia (21.9%), North America (21.1%), Africa
(17.5%), South America (10.5%) and Oceania (4.4%).
Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and Ditylenchus dipsaci were found to be most
prevalent. In Asia Pratylenchus neglectus was most reported, in Africa Radopholus similis
and in Europe Globodera rostochiensis. On a global scale, chemical treatments are still the
most widely used control strategy. However, in Europe the use of nematicides is significantly
less compared with that in other continents due to the strict regulations and a total ban on the
use of several compounds. Although most participating countries have a diagnostic service
available, preventative soil sampling is not commonly used to avoid nematode problems. It is
linked to improved awareness of plant-parasitic nematodes by growers and farmers.
Molecular tools are widely used in developed countries in research but not yet for diagnostic
services. In developing countries identification of nematodes is often limited to the species
level, and molecular identification is absent. The use of biological control agents is still very
limited throughout the world, most likely due to the absence of reliable results with the few
commercial products available. The use of resistance is mainly focused on potato and
soybean cyst nematodes and root-knot nematodes. This leaves many challenges for
nematology where also genetic modification should be considered.
Based on the collected data on economic losses an estimate of the global impact of plantparasitic
nematodes will be made.
5 th International Congress of Nematology, 2008 54