ABSTRACT
Nematodes are ubiquitous microscopic multi-cellular organisms that reside mostly in the upper zone of the soil. Nematodes pose a great threat to global food security by destroying about 12.3% of food grains estimated to be 157 billion US dollars worldwide annually. They affect almost all crops including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, spices, medicinal, ornamental, fruits and vegetables etc. Out of the economically important nematodes Meloidogyne sp. is reported to affect all crops and cause detrimental monetary loss all over the world. They feed on plant roots to cause galling, stunting, wilting, yellowing, nutrient loss, poor crop yield and sometimes death of the plant. The application of nematicides provides quick and significant management but the irreversible damage caused drives us to achieve management of the nematodes through a much safer alternative. Besides, the nematicides usage supplements residual toxicity, water contamination, male sterility, eutrophication etc. So there is a requirement for chemical pesticides that are novel and environmentally benign. The nanoparticles like silver NP (AgNP), green silver NP, ZnO NP, celenium NP, Al2O3 NP and TiO2 NP were found effective against Caenorhabditis elegans. Green silver nanoparticles are reported to control root-knot nematodes and reduce phytotoxicity in eggplants. The Fe3O4NPs interestingly reduced the mobility and expressed apoptosis in C. elegans. The nanoparticles (NP) in the background of pest management also increase agronomic productivity, and efficiency and reduce environmental stress. The presence of potential NP that is reported successful against various pests is yet to be explored against nematodes. So agro-nanotechnology promises a smart technological solution towards the ever-adaptive plant-parasitic nematodes to match our current and future food demands with environmental sustainability.
