Nematode Disease Complexes in Agricultural Crops

By: Mujeebur Rahman Khan

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Synopsis: Plant diseases where two or more pathogens are involved in the infection process are commonly termed as "complex", and their diagnosis and subsequent control become more complicated and challenging. A disease complex is produced through synergistic interaction between pathogens, such as plant nematodes and soil-borne fungi or bacteria. Disease complexes which result from the interaction between nematodes and other pathogens are found on a range of agricultural crops globally, and cause great crop damage. Some pathogens e.g. Fusarium, Xanthomonas, etc. become more aggressive in cohabitance with nematodes, even if the inoculum density is low or the host cultivar is resistant. Plant nematodes can also act as vectors, and carry fungi and bacteria to the susceptible tissue or introduce plant viruses into the host. Some nematodes also need a vector for their spread, causing serious diseases, like pine wilt and red-ring. Nematode Disease Complexes in Agricultural Crops discusses the roles plant nematodes may play in the formation of a disease complex. It provides an account of the agricultural significance, aetiology and epidemiology of important disease complexes and their management strategies based on integration of conventional, current and innovative approaches.