Practical Plant Nematology

Plant-parasitic nematodes are responsible for an estimated annual loss of US$100 billion worth of commodity, staple and industrial crops worldwide. With global changes in temperature, it is likely that this figure will increase as nematode pests thrive in previously unsuitable areas and increase their reproductive rate. Correct identification is essential in understanding nematode diversity and enabling management and control. Since the first edition of this book was published in 2012 (Mundiprensa, Mexico), advances in molecular techniques have transformed methods of studying and identifying species and proven helpful for disentangling species complexes. However, nematode crop damage can still be difficult to assess due to a lack of expertise (especially taxonomy) in making accurate diagnosis, and a lack of nematology courses and training within crop protection. This book addresses the need for a practical foundation course, and covers: · Biology, morphology, taxonomy and practical aspects of symptomatology, sampling, preparation and identification of nematodes using both classical and molecular approaches · Taxonomy, diversity and bionomics (e.g. biology, ecology, management) of the most economically important plant-parasitic nematode groups · Ecology (nematodes as bioindicators), biochemical and molecular processes involved in plant-nematode interactions, integrated pest management, quarantine issues, knowledge dissemination aspects and statistics This is an introductory text in practical nematology aimed at students of agronomy, biology, extension, phytosanitation and professionals involved in crop protection and plant disease diagnostics.

Rosa H. Manzanilla-López (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8727-106X) completed her Bachelor's Degree (Biology) and M.Sc. at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and her Ph.D. at the University of Reading, UK. In Mexico, she worked in as an associate and research professor in higher education and postgraduate institutions. In the UK, she was a Research Scientist at Rothamsted Research ltd. (2001-2014) and Consultant for CABI, Switzerland (2014-2021). She is a Visiting Professor at the Center for the Development of Biotic Products of the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico (CEPROBI-IPN) and collaborates with the Agricultural Nematology Laboratory of the National School of Biological Sciences (ENCB-IPN). Rosa has participated in research and international projects for the control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne, Nacobbus) and cyst-forming nematodes (Globodera, Heterodera), the plant-nematode interaction in Lotus japonicus, the biological control of phytopathogenic nematodes with Pasteuria penetrans and Pochonia chlamydosporia, and was part of the external advisory board of the project 'Microbial Uptakes for Sustainable Management of Major Banana Pests and Diseases' MUSA2020 of the European Union (2017-2022).

David Hunt gained his B.Sc. at the University of Nottingham, UK, and his Ph.D. degree at the University of Reading, UK. From 1975 to 1979 he worked as a field nematologist in the West Indies and has travelled widely in the Caribbean region and in eastern and southern Africa. From 1979 until retiring in 2010 he worked in the UK as a nematode biosystematist for CABI, first at the International Institute of Parasitology and then at CABI Bioscience, where he is now an Emeritus Fellow. David has taught many international courses in nematode identification, these being mainly based in the UK, but also in Africa and Central America. During 2002-2022 he was joint Editor-in-Chief of the journal Nematology and joint Series Editor of the multi-volume series Nematology Monographs and Perspectives (Brill). He has published over 100 new nematode taxa, working mainly with parasites of diplopods and insects, contributed numerous chapters to a broad spectrum of books, authored the book Aphelenchida, Longidoridae and Trichodoridae: their systematics and bionomics and, with Khuong Nguyen, co-edited the monographs Entomopathogenic nematodes: systematics, phylogeny and bacterial symbionts and Advances in entomopathogenic nematode taxonomy and phylogeny.

Nahum Marbán-Mendoza got his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM) and his Ph.D. from the University of Davis, California, USA. Returning to Mexico he worked as a Research Professor in the Postgraduate College at the Autonomous University of Chapingo (UACH) and taught courses in nematology, entomology and plant pathology. In 1985 he took a sabbatical year at the University of Massachusetts and then became Research Professor at CATIE, Costa Rica, where he collaborated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and disease control programs. In 1995 he took a sabbatical year at the University of Lund, Sweden, before re-joining the UACH in 1997, a position he has held since and where he chaired the crop protection graduate program for postgraduate excellence (CONACYT) and the IPM and plant-parasitic nematode programs at undergraduate and postgraduate level. From 2001-2006 he served as Vice-President of the Methyl Bromide Technical Optional Committee in the Montreal Protocol of the United Nations Environmental Program. A prolific author and co-author of many books, manuals and refereed papers, he has also won numerous international awards and research grants. Nahum is a member of National System of Researchers (CONACYT, Mexico) and has also served the Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America in various official capacities.

Said Infante Gil got his first degree of Agricultural Engineer Specialist in Plant Science from the University of Sonora (Mexico), M.Sc. in Statistics from the Postgraduates College (Mexico) and his Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Wisconsin, USA. Since the 1970s he has been Chair Professor (Chapingo Autonomous University, Mexico) and Research Professor at the Postgraduate College. He is also General Editor of the Editorial House of the Postgraduates College, and is in charge of publishing the journals Agrociencia; Agriculture, Society and Development; Agroproductivity and Agrodissemination; five book collections, including the Basic Agricultural Library Collection (BBA). In addition to his teaching, administrative and editorial work, Said has authored numerous articles and textbooks in statistics, including the highly popular book 'Statistical Methods: an Interdisciplinary Approach, third edition'. He has given numerous lectures at various institutions and universities and is Guest Professor at the Catholic University of Valparaíso (Chile) and the La Molina Agrarian University (Peru). He also has received various national and international awards.