ABSTRACT
Plant parasitic nematodes are hidden enemies of crops. The symptoms of the damage they cause are not easily recognizable. Their microscopic size further reduces the chances of being recognized as the causal organisms of any damage. Some nematodes predispose plants to other pathogens, while other nematodes act as various vectors. On a worldwide basis, these worms are estimated to cause crop yield losses of over US$ 78 billion. These losses are estimated to be over 14% in the developing countries and about 9% in the developed countries. For the management the use of disease or pathogen free planting materials is most recommended method of nematode exclusion. However, in case where there is no availability of such material, treatment of infected plant material is essential before planting. In current chapter we are summarizing the loss caused by nematode, historical development of nematode study, and their management strategies.
