Nematodes

Nematodes are ecologically ubiquitous and include free living and parasites of almost all organisms. They have simple wormlike bodies, are highly adaptable, and display the ability to locate, invade, and manipulate host physiology in parasitic forms. Free-living nematodes play a role in maintaining ecosystems by feeding on dead matter or microbes, while parasitic nematodes cost billions of dollars by affecting human and animal health and crop production. Various control methods are being developed to control parasitic nematodes including chemicals/drugs, biological agents, and in the case of plants, plant breeding for resistance and transgenic plants. Depending on the situation, different control methods often have limitations, and a strategy aiming to confer maximum control with the use of minimum resources can be feasible depending on the approach and extent of infestation