Mechanisms of nematicide evasion in plant-parasitic nematodes: From molecular adaptation to evolution-aware...

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause substantial global crop losses, yet the effectiveness of chemical nematicides is declining due to adaptive responses in nematode populations. Current understanding of nematicide resistance remains incomplete, often limited to target-site mutations and metabolic detoxification. This review addresses this gap by providing an integrated perspective on how PPNs evade nematicides across molecular, physiological, and ecological scales. We synthesize established resistance mechanisms alongside underexplored strategies, including cuticle remodeling, behavioral avoidance, and microbiome-assisted protection. Here, we incorporate the environmental and rhizosphere dynamics, highlighting how soil heterogeneity and microbial communities influence nematicide efficacy and resistance evolution. The review also examines cross-resistance and sub-lethal exposure as critical drivers of adaptive responses. Importantly, we propose integrated evolution-aware management (IEAM) as a sustainable framework that combines chemical, biological, and host-mediated strategies to reduce selection pressure and prolong control efficacy. This study is necessary to move beyond conventional single-target approaches toward holistic, evolution-informed nematode management. By linking mechanistic insights with agroecosystem processes, it provides a comprehensive foundation for developing durable and environmentally sustainable control strategies.