Plant parasitic nematode management using antagonistic plants as a potential substitute to hazardous chemical control - a review

Phytoparasitic nematodes pose a widespread threat to agricultural crops worldwide. The escalating nematode damage has placed a substantial burden on growers, compelling heavy reliance on chemical nematicides. However, the use of these chemicals not only inflates production costs but also poses considerable risks to human health and the environment. In response to these challenges, researchers are actively exploring alternative nematode control techniques in agronomic crops, with a focus on environmentally friendly and economically viable solutions. The imperative to reduce dependence on chemical nematicides has spurred interest in developing strategies that are both agronomically effective and environmentally safe. Current nematode management methods often integrate biological and cultural approaches, taking into account ecological and financial considerations. Among these strategies, the utilization of antagonistic plants has emerged as particularly effective. Despite extensive research on the allelopathic properties of plants such as Tagetes, Crotalaria, Brassica, and Azadirachta indica against phytonematodes, the practical implementation of cover cropping with these antagonistic plants in commercial operations still requires attention. This review explores the impact of various antagonistic plants in combating phytonematodes, highlighting their significance in nematode management.