Integration of Biological Control with other Methods of Nematode Management

Abstract

This chapter describes measures used to improve the performance of biological control agents for nematode management. Suppressive soils have been associated with the continuous cultivation of nematode-susceptible crops, which support increases in the natural enemy community. Soils that become suppressive to nematode pests and the agronomic practices that may destroy such natural control and lead to increased nematode infestations are discussed. Biological control alone is often inadequate to maintain nematode populations below their economic threshold and must be integrated with other management methods. Methods that decrease nematode infestations in soil or increase the activity of microbial agents are reviewed and some examples given where their combination with agents applied to soil have enhanced the efficacy of biological control. There may be problems for growers with the delivery of such integrated control strategies unless they receive adequate support from extension services, which may be absent in many countries. Hence, the exploitation of natural enemies as a source of genes and compounds with anti-nematode properties, which could be used in chemical and genetic interventions may provide alternative approaches for nematode management.