Parasitic Nematodes of Sugarcane: A Major Productivity Impediment and Grand Challenges in Management

Sugarcane is an important cash crop grown in 137 countries, accounting for 80% of global sugar production. It supports the livelihood of more than 100 million people and up to 25% of the rural population in some countries. Plant-parasitic nematodes are one significant constraint in sugarcane production and can lead to a loss of up to 30% in productivity. More than 300 species of parasitic nematodes have been discovered in sugarcane soil. Owing to limited data, the potential damage to sugarcane crops caused by parasitic nematodes is often underestimated. The main nematodes present in sugarcane fields are root-lesion (Pratylenchus spp.), spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.), root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.), dagger (Xiphinema spp.), stunt (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), ring (Criconemella spp.), and stubby (Paratrichodorus spp.). Among these, Meloidogyne javanica and Pratylenchus zeae are the most damaging nematode species. Management of nematodes is a challenging task as there are no clear symptoms of their presence, and they often come in multiple species with varying levels of pathogenicity. Moreover, the management options available are not always effective. Integrated nematode management is a sustainable strategy for controlling nematode infestations. It involves using all possible methods to suppress the parasitic nematode population in a compatible manner and reduce it below economic threshold levels. This article focuses on the challenges of managing nematodes in sugarcane and highlights the opportunity for implementing a sustainable nematode management strategy.