Plant-parasitic nematodes of strawberry in Egypt: a review

Abstract

The nematode losses vary according to nematode species, population density, and biotic and abiotic factors. Interaction of nematodes with soil-borne fungi increases the severity of disease, and their synergistic effect may result in much higher losses. Therefore, important PPNs on strawberry in Egypt and issues relevant to strawberry yield losses are presented herein. Meloidogyne spp. are the most predominant species on strawberry plants in Egypt. Integration of different methods such as cultural, chemical use of resistant cultivars and naturally occurring biological control agents suggested herein can play a significant role in sustainable nematode pest management of strawberry. For nurseries, there is an urgent need to motivate private and governmental sectors to satisfy the requirement of our national certified strawberry seedlings.