Dr Victor Souza Coordinates Editorial on Plant-Parasitic Nematodes and Sustainable Crop Management

Dr Victor Souza, a member of the Plant-Parasite Interactions group at the Crop Science Centre, coordinated a special editorial for Frontiers in Plant Sciences, focusing on plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) and their role in crop production. Together with Dr James Price (The James Hutton Institute, Scotland), Professor Mario Inomoto (University of São Paulo, Brazil), and Dr Andressa Machado (AgroNema), Victor brought together ten papers exploring sustainable strategies to manage PPN, highlighting the shift from chemical control to more environmentally friendly solutions.

The editorial, which has been compiled into an e-book, addresses the growing challenges of food security as the global population approaches 10 billion by 2060. It emphasizes how plant-parasitic nematodes, a significant threat to sustainable crop production, can be managed through a deeper understanding of nematode-host interactions, along with the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The collected research includes papers on bio-based nematicidal products, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), and innovative genetic approaches, all aimed at providing more sustainable crop protection methods.

Among the key findings highlighted in the e-book are studies on the potential of plant-origin products, such as ‘Product X,’ which has shown promise in reducing nematode-induced damage. The editorial also explores the use of microRNAs and PGPB to enhance plant resistance to nematode attacks, as well as advances in breeding resistant crop varieties using molecular markers. Other studies focus on how understanding the molecular mechanisms of nematode parasitism, such as effector proteins, could lead to more targeted control strategies.

e-book provides valuable insights into emerging pest management technologies and serves as a useful resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking sustainable solutions for crop protection.

To explore the full editorial and access the collection of research papers, visit the e-book at 10.3389/fpls.2024.1539529.

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