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<\/a>Published in<\/strong> International Pest Control \u2013 March\/April 2024 issue.<\/p>\nClimate change and genetic selection have brought root-knot nematodes further north in Europe and made cyst nematodes more difficult to control. These emerging parasites threaten major crops such as tomato and potato. To get a clear picture of the proliferation of novel nematode species and populations and to find appropriate and sustainable solutions to these problems, WUR is launching a major research and innovation project with seventeen European partners called NEM-EMERGE. The project has been accepted as a Horizon Europe Project, resulting in 7 million euros in funding.<\/p>\n
Root-knot and cyst nematodes form a grievous threat to tomatoes and potatoes. These nematodes occupy places one and two in the ranking of the most impactful plant-parasitic nematodes. WUR researcher Hans Helder explains how these nematodes work. \u2018They drain energy from the plant, causing a plant condition referred to as \u2018fatigue\u2019.<\/p>\n
As a result, the crop barely grows and is severely weakened leading to crop loss and hence economic damage. Annually, root-knot nematodes alone cause yield losses of several billion euros. Next to crop rotation and resistant varieties, growers currently use broad-spectrum chemicals to control these nematodes which have unwanted negative side-effects on nature and the environment.\u2019…read more download PDF.<\/em><\/a>Published in<\/strong> International Pest Control \u2013 March\/April 2024 issue.<\/p>\n