1Department of Plant Protection, Agricultural Engineering Sciences College, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq
2Salah al-Din Governorate Council, Al-Alam District, Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraq
*Corresponding Author: Khalid M. Al-Juhaishi, Department of Plant Protection, Agricultural Engineering Sciences College, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq, Email: khaled.m@coagri.uobaghdad.edu.iq
Root-knot nematodes are serious soil-borne pests. They affect many crops and induce significant yield losses. Infected plants show root galling, reduced root efficiency, stunted growth, leaf chlorosis and wilting. These nematodes pose a risk to crop production because they infect a wide range of plant types and reproduce rapidly. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies provide an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical nematicides. IPM benefits include reducing nematode numbers, reducing chemical use, promoting healthier plants, enhancing soil biodiversity and supporting sustainable farming practices. These strategies include using resistant or tolerant crop cultivars, rotating with non-host plants, applying organic amendments and botanical extracts, utilizing biological control agents such as Trichoderma spp., Paecilomyces lilacinus and Bacillus spp., employing soil solarization and adhering to good agronomic practices. Combining these methods makes IPM an environmentally safe and economically practical solution for managing root-knot nematodes in agricultural systems.
Biological control, Chemical control, Cultural practice, Integrated pest management, Meloidogyne spp, Root-knot nematode
