Role of Nematodes in Horticultural Production

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 1611

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
Interests: agriculture; plant protection; plant pathology; nematology; microbiology; zoology; taxonomy; phylogenetic analysis; ecology and evolution; biodiversity; phylogeography; soil biology and health; sustainable agriculture
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Guest Editor
The National Institute of Horticultural Research, 96-100 Skierniewice, Poland
Interests: organic farming; biofertilizers; agroecosystem; horticulture; biological control; integrated pest management; microbial inoculant; pome fruits; stone fruits; bioremediation; functional biodiversity; organic orchard management; soft fruits; plant-pathogen interaction; agroecology; living mulches; repellent; attractant; insect monitoring; insect trap; sustainable horticulture; microbial biodiversity; nematodes; nematodes biodiversity; indicators
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The nematode community consists of both free-living nematodes (FLNs) and plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs), with the latter being particularly problematic, as they contribute to approximately 12% of global crop yield loss. Phytonematodes represent a significant threat to the horticultural sector worldwide. Despite a wealth of research focused on the losses incurred from these pests, numerous challenges persist. While the symptoms associated with PPNs and their detection methods are well understood, there is an urgent need for the development of quicker diagnostic techniques and more effective control strategies. Horticulture is a complex and diverse industry, yet it remains vulnerable to the impact of plant-parasitic nematodes. Therefore, future research efforts should be directed toward identifying nematodes, exploring bio-management strategies, enhancing biodiversity, conducting genetic studies, and utilizing nematode bioindicators. These initiatives are essential for formulating new strategies that support sustainability in agriculture.

Dr. Ebrahim Shokoohi
Dr. Ewa Furmanczyk
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nematode diagnosis
  • molecular identification
  • genetic diversity
  • biodiversity
  • nematode community
  • management
  • microbial interaction
  • microbiome

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1397 KiB  
Article
The Use of Botanical Extracts for the Control of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) in Yellow Pitahaya
by Ángel García, Yadira F. Ordóñez, Yadira Vargas-Tierras, Jessica Sanmiguel, Wilson Vásquez-Castillo and Willian Viera-Arroyo
Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030268 - 2 Mar 2025
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Abstract
Meloidogyne incognita, a widely distributed plant parasite that is considered one of the most devastating species for various crops, has traditionally been controlled through the use of synthetic products. However, the risks associated with these products for human health and the environment [...] Read more.
Meloidogyne incognita, a widely distributed plant parasite that is considered one of the most devastating species for various crops, has traditionally been controlled through the use of synthetic products. However, the risks associated with these products for human health and the environment have prompted a search for more sustainable alternatives. In this context, plant extracts rich in secondary metabolites, such as those of Tagetes zypaquirensis and Dysphania ambrosioides, have shown potential for nematode management, although their efficacy varies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extracts of T. zypaquirensis, Lonchocarpus urucu, D. ambrosioides, Urera laciniata, and Ricinus communis on the population of M. incognita in Selenicereus megalanthus under controlled greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized block experimental design was used with three replicates per treatment and six yellow pitahaya (or dragon fruit) plants per experimental unit. A total of 10 g of extract per plant was applied at two application times: 7 days before nematode inoculation and 7 days after. In addition, two controls were included: an absolute control, with no extract application and no nematode inoculation, and an inoculated control, consisting of plants exposed only to nematodes. The results showed that the preventive application of T. zypaquirensis and D. ambrosioides extracts 7 days before nematode inoculation significantly reduced M. incognita populations compared to the inoculated control. At 60 days, both extracts were able to reduce nematode populations and the number of nodules on roots, with reproductive factors close to 1 (1.47 and 1.50), indicating efficient control. Moreover, plants treated with these extracts showed superior growth compared to the other treatments and the inoculated control. In conclusion, the preventive application of T. zypaquirensis and D. ambrosioides extracts had a positive influence on the control of M. incognita and caused an improvement in plant growth variables. These results suggest that these botanical extracts could be adopted within integrated nematode management strategies in agriculture, contributing to sustainability and a reduction in the use of chemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Nematodes in Horticultural Production)
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11 pages, 1363 KiB  
Article
Genetic and Haplotype Diversity of Hoplolaimus (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) Through Analysis of COI of mtDNA
by Ebrahim Shokoohi and Peter Masoko
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020113 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 758
Abstract
Lance nematodes (Hoplolaimus spp.) feed on the roots of various plants, including key horticultural products. An investigation of the genetic diversity and structure of six Hoplolaimus species, utilizing the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) of the mtDNA gene, was based on 174 [...] Read more.
Lance nematodes (Hoplolaimus spp.) feed on the roots of various plants, including key horticultural products. An investigation of the genetic diversity and structure of six Hoplolaimus species, utilizing the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) of the mtDNA gene, was based on 174 sequences available on the NCBI. Based on the COI of mtDNA, the haplotype analysis revealed 44 haplotypes. Nucleotide diversity was low among all species of Hoplolaimus, except for H. magnistylus (π = 0.04915) and H. stephanus (π = 0.06746). In contrast, haplotype diversity (Hd) was high, especially for H. stephanus (Hd = 0.89) and H. pararobustus (Hd = 0.90). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the various populations into eight clades, and the result showed that H. magnistylus was placed in three different clades, which showed high variability in haplotype supported by the haplotype network. Neutrality tests and mismatch distribution based on the mtDNA supported the hypothesis of a constant population with no expansion in Hoplolaimus, except for H. concaudajuvencus (Tajima (D) = −0.84971) and H. columbus (Tajima (D) = −0.87674). In conclusion, genetic analysis showed a neutral evolution amongst the Hoplolaimus species. The result of the present study provides a better insight into the Hoplolaimus species toward species delimitation and managing this plant-parasitic nematode in various crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Nematodes in Horticultural Production)
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