Management Of Virus-Transmitting Nematodes With Special Emphasis On South-East Euroup

Abstract

Available strategies for the management of nematode vectors of plant viruses are reviewed, focusing on the nematode vector species, their associated viruses, as well as their geographic distribution and spread. Diagnostic procedures including morphological identification of virus vectors, plant tests and transmission assays as well as the application of molecular detection tools are reviewed, in the light of preventive and phytosanitary procedures. Management of GFLV on grapevine requires production of healthy plants for certification and marketing schemes, to be used in soils found free of its vector, Xiphinema index. In fields already infested, some integrated management options may be applied including, in order of importance, agronomic practices with long rotations (5-7 years) intercropping with poor or antagonistic hosts, chemical control, application of organic amendments and natural products, biofumigation, nematicidal plants and biological control agents. Given the risk that due to some nematodes' parthenogenetic reproduction epidemics may arise even from a single individual vector, emphasis must be given to preventive and continuous field monitoring procedures.