ABSTRACT
Plant parasitic nematodes adversely affect both agricultural production and productivity. Phytonematodes, in general, induce 12–13% loss in crop production. Due to its microscopic size, appearance of nutrition deficiency-like symptom is a challenge in front of farmers. They are also causing disease complex by interacting with other microorganisms and breaking plant resistance. Hence, they are known as “hidden enemy of farmers.” Different management practices, such as sanitation and avoidance, host plant resistance, rotation with nonhosts crops, destruction of residual crop roots, and judicious use of nematicides have been attempted to control nematodes effectively. Among different nematode management strategies, chemical control has proved effective but that leads to polluting soil, underground water, and hazardous to all living beings. They also do not remain cost-effective to the end users. Therefore, in this chapter, we discuss about important nematodes pest of some important solanaceous vegetable crops and their effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable management practices to enhance crop productivity and quality as well.
