Management of the Root-Knot Nematodes on Key Crops in Egypt

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most economically significant plant-parasitic nematodes in Egypt and elsewhere. They are obligate, sedentary endoparasites that infect the roots of thousands of plant species, involving major crops like tomato, cotton, potato, squash, melon, and various legumes. The infection reduces nutrient and water uptake by roots with consequent degrading in general plant vigor. The RKNs can modify the plants’ defenses, increasing their susceptibility to other pathogens, and/or interact with other soil-borne pathogens to form nematode disease complexes, resulting in higher yield losses. Because they induce specialized feeding sites called “giant cells” in the plant roots, galls are formed there as the most distinguished symptoms for naked eye. The RKN-contaminated materials represent their main mechanisms of spread. Once established in the cultivated soil, RKNs are difficult to eradicate. Yet, their integrated management approaches can be effective to bring them below economic threshold levels. Such approaches include cultural, physical, biological, and chemical control methods along with sound monitoring and diagnosis. Current advanced approaches seek to move beyond unhealthy nematicides via biotechnological interventions for RKN management. © The Author 2026