Nematode Diseases and Their Management in Crop Plants

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) remain one of the major constraints to global agricultural productivity, affecting numerous crops and contributing to substantial yield losses [1,2]. Among the most damaging genera, Meloidogyne, Heterodera, Globodera, Pratylenchus and Bursaphelenchus pose a threat across diverse agroecosystems [2,3]. Their success as pathogens is due to their capacity to manipulate host physiology, evade plant defence mechanisms and establish long-term feeding relationships [4,5]. In the context of climate change and the increase in agricultural intensification, the pressure exerted by PPN is expected to grow, making advances in diagnostics, management and ecological understanding more crucial than ever [6].

This Special Issue, “Nematode Diseases and Their Management in Crop Plants”, brings together several studies, applying a range of approaches from molecular to field-based, which highlight the complexity of and key areas of interest in current nematology research. The featured works highlight the driving goal of creating a more sustainable environment in agriculture, one aligned with stakeholders’ needs, from producers to consumers. Several articles address fundamental aspects of nematode biology, host–pathogen interactions and the molecular mechanisms underlying virulence. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics and the biology of effectors have greatly enhanced our understanding of how nematodes invade host tissues, manipulate cellular processes and overcome plant defences, knowledge that is crucial for achieving durable resistance and making breeding programmes more efficient [7].

A significant portion of this Issue refers to integrated pest management (IPM). Long dependent on chemical nematicides, nematode control is now moving away from their use due to environmental concerns, regulatory pressure and a growing understanding of the importance of soil biodiversity and soil health [8,9]. Contributions exploring sustainable alternatives, including biological control agents, organic amendments, soil-regenerative practices, trap cropping and the use of resistant cultivars, clearly illustrate how productivity and sustainability can be associated [10].

This Issue comprises eight articles on the titular topic, each offering complementary perspectives. In their work, Rehak Biondić et al. (2025) report the distribution and species identification of Meloidogyne spp. in Croatia, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring to prevent spread and improve control. Sikandar et al. (2025) examine the combined effects of M. incognita and Fusarium oxysporum on tomato, reinforcing the significance of disease complexes in crop health. Their results highlight that such a disease complex causes substantial impacts on plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange, biochemical parameters and root morphology. In their study, Leite et al. (2023) demonstrate that the application of vinasse reduces root-knot nematode (RKN) populations in soybean and promotes the proliferation of beneficial soil microorganisms. By suppressing reproduction, a concentration equivalent to 60% vinasse was found to reduce parasitism by M. incognita and M. javanica drastically. Together, these studies emphasize both the complexity of disease interactions and the potential of sustainable solutions for RKN management.

Two studies focus on addressing the issue of Pratylenchus thornei in wheat, offering practical tools to accelerate breeding programmes. In their work, Robinson et al. (2025) present a single-plant selection method for early screening of tolerance and resistance, while Robinson et al. (2024) compare visual assessments with NDVI-based approaches for predicting yield tolerance. Flajšman et al. (2025) investigate the chemotactic responses of entomopathogenic and slug-parasitic nematodes to cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa, opening new perspectives in behavioural ecology and potential biocontrol applications. The reviews by Baniya et al. (2025) and Rahman et al. (2023) describe current management strategies for Tylenchulus semipenetrans and the use of nematophagous fungi. As T. semipenetrans expands its global importance and host range, these works emphasise the need for integrated biological, cultural and chemical strategies to control its spread and damage.

Despite these advances, important gaps remain. Durable resistance is still limited and not available to many economically relevant crops and in many cases, nematodes overcome resistance [10]. Rapid, field-ready diagnostics are insufficiently implemented, especially in regions with limited resources, such as in some African countries [11]. While promising biological solutions require more consistent validation under field agricultural conditions [8], it should also be noted that the interactions among nematodes, soil microbiomes and environmental factors are still not fully understood [6]. Climate change has a great influence on PPN distribution and population dynamics, a fact alerting researchers to the need for greater efforts in the monitoring and modelling of these phenomena [6].

The future of nematode management will depend on more predictive, integrated and interdisciplinary approaches. Climate and soil-based risk modelling, the development of new biocontrol agents, the use of molecular approaches to enhance crop resistance, portable diagnostic tools and soil-regenerative practices are all essential for the future management of nematodes and other pests. Close collaboration among researchers, breeders, agronomists, ecologists, farmers and citizens, ensuring that scientific innovations are applied and become effective solutions, will be required to achieve these goals [12].

Taken together, the contributions in this Special Issue provide solid perspectives on the biology, monitoring and management of PPNs. They indicate the need for integrated and sustainable strategies to protect crop productivity and soil health. The central message that lies within this collection of publications is that healthy soils are the foundation of productive and safe agriculture, and that additional research should be undertaken on this topic [4,8].