Management of potato cyst nematodes with special focus on biological control and trap cropping strategies

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs; Globodera spp.) are one of the most difficult pests of potato to manage worldwide. Indiscriminate use of pesticides and their hazardous effects discourage the use of many chemicals for the management of PCNs. As a result, biological control agents and trap crops have received more attention from growers as safer ways to manage PCNs. The biological control agents such as Pochonia chlamydosporia, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus spp., Pasteuria spp., and others are recognized as potential candidates for the management of PCNs. Moreover recently, the use of trap crop Solanum sisymbriifolium also showed promise by drastically reducing soil populations of PCNs. Integration of these management strategies along with other practices including identification, conservation, and multiplication of native antagonists, will facilitate efficient management of the PCNs in potato cropping system. Some of the promising research approaches that are being used against PCNs are addressed in this review. (c) 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Automated summary

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) are among the most challenging pests for potato growers worldwide. Due to the harmful effects of pesticides, there is increasing interest in using biological control agents and trap crops for PCN management. Various biological control agents and the use of trap crops have shown promise in reducing PCN populations in soil. Integrating these strategies with other practices such as identification and conservation of native antagonists can lead to more efficient PCN management in potato cropping systems.