Management of Phytonematodes: Recent Advances and Future Challenges

This book illustrates the currently available strategies for managing phytonematodes. It discusses the latest findings on plant-pathogen-microbiome interactions and their impacts on ecosystems, and provides extensive information on the application of microorganisms in the sustainable management of phytonematodes. This is followed by an in-depth discussion of the application of potential strains of biocontrol fungi, endophytes and actinomycetes to enhance plants’ ability to fend off phytonematode attacks, leading to improved plant health. In conclusion, the book addresses new aspects like the biofabrication of nanoparticles and their application in plant disease management, and presents an extensive list for further reading.

Dr. Rizwan Ali Ansari is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from the same university and has focused his research on understanding the mechanisms involved in the development of disease complexes, and on using organic additives and biological agents for the management of nematode-fungus complexes. He has received a number of prestigious awards from various scientific societies, e.g. the Society of Plant Protection Sciences (SPSS) and Nematological Society of India (NSI), for his outstanding contributions in the field of Plant Pathology/Nematology. He has published several book chapters, research and review articles on the utility of organic additives, mycorrhizal fungi and plant-growth-promoting bacteria in the sustainable management of plant pathogens. Dr. Ansari also edited the two-volume book “Plant Health Under Biotic Stress,” which has enjoyed international success.

Dr. Rose Rizvi is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.  She has published numerous articles in respected journals and received various awards, e.g. the UGC-BSR Research Fellow Award (UGC); Norman Ernest Borlaug Research Award for Plant Pathology (Photon Foundation); Junior Scientist Award (NESA); Scientist of the Year Award (2018, NESA); and Young Scientist of the Year Award (2018, IFEE).

Dr. Irshad Mahmood is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Nematology who has focused his research on the application of organic additives and potent microorganisms for the sustainable management of phytoparasitic nematodes and plant pathogenic fungi. He has taught undergraduate and graduate level students for the past 30 years, and has engaged in overseas research visits to e.g. the US, France and the UK. He has published more than 150 original research papers, review articles and book chapters, and has successfully completed training courses at various ICAR-sponsored research institutes in India, and at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, US.