Root Knot Nematodes

This book is the first complete illustrated compendium of root-knot nematode species from the genus Meloidogyne including 97 species descriptions with comprehensive diagnoses, information on biology, plant-hosts, pathogenicity, symptoms, distribution and biochemical and molecular diagnostics.

This book provides an overview (chapter 1) of the general biology, ecology and economic importance of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), and covers in detail the following: general morphology (chapter 2); taxonomy, identification and principal species (chapter 3); biochemical and molecular identification (chapter 4); molecular taxonomy and phylogeny (chapter 5); hatch and host location (chapter 6); invasion, feeding and development (chapter 7); reproduction, physiology and biochemistry (chapter 8); survival mechanisms (chapter 9); interactions with other pathogens (chapter 10); population dynamics and damage levels (chapter 11); sampling (chapter 12); mechanisms and genetics of resistance (chapter 13); development of resistant cultivars (chapter 14); plant biotechnology and control (chapter 15); complete sequence of the genomes of M. incognita and M. hapla (chapter 16); biological control using microbial pathogens, endophytes and antagonists (chapter 17); current and future management strategies in intensive crop production systems (chapter 18); and current and future management strategies in resource-poor farming (chapter 19).

Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the most destructive plant pathogens, causing enormous losses to agronomic crops worldwide. This book provides an up-to-date review of research related to two of the most important nematode pests, root-knot and cyst nematodes. Chapters cover early plant-nematode interactions, identification of nematode proteins important in the establishment of nematode feeding sites, and classification of biochemical and signaling pathways significant in the development of specialized feeding sites in the host. The cellular and subcellular structures essential for the parasitic interaction are examined by light and electron microscopy. Modern techniques of gene expression analyses and genomic sequencing are poised to provide an even greater wealth of information to researchers, enabling them to develop and examine natural and manmade mechanisms of resistance to this important plant pest.

History of the genus Meloidogyne up to Chitwood; Classification of Meloidogyne; Species combinations recognized in the present work; Species of known economic importance; Symptioms of root-knot nematode damage; Problems associated with identification of Meloidogyne species; Aspects of control; The necessity for identification to species some examples; Hosts and distributions of Meloidogyne species; Preparation methods for culturing and identification; Character assessment and description of diferential characters for identification; Comparative morphology and descriptions of species; keys the identification of Meloidogyne species; Descriptions of two new Meloidogyne species.

Plant-parasitic nematodes devastate crops worldwide, in turn impacting international trade, social and economic development. Effective control of nematodes is essential for crop protection, and requires an understanding of nematode biology, taxonomy, population dynamics and sampling methods. Providing a broad introduction to nematodes as plant parasites, this book begins by describing nematodes by genera, and builds on this foundation to detail nematode biology and pest management, including biological and chemical control. Chapters are authored by international experts and enhanced by extensive illustrations and focus boxes. Fully updated throughout, this new edition is an essential resource for postgraduate students, extension officers, researchers and crop protection scientists.

Nickle (Beltsille Agricultural Research Center of the USDA) has engaged 29 internationally known experts to replace the classic work of I.N. Filipjev (1934) and its translated revision (Schuurmans Stekhoven, Jr., 1941) with a modern work taking note of 188 additional genera, and 4,650 more species.