The Cyst Nematodes

When Franklin published her book on cyst nematodes in 1951, the cyst nematodes were already known as serious pests of brassicas, cereals, potatoes and sugar beets. However, at that time this group of nematode, with about 12 species, was considered tobe largely temperate in distribu tion. Now a total of 105 species (including those that are considered as synonyms or species inquirende by some or all) within six genera of cyst nematodes have been described from temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions and at least five species are important constraints to crop produc tion in tropical agriculture. The previous impression of localization of cyst nematodes in the temperate region was seemingly an artifact due to a greater concentration of nematologists in the temperate regions. Based on my own experience of working in several Asian and African countries, I believe that many more undescribed species are present in the tropical countries of Asia and Africa, and probably in other tropical regions. Most growers, extension workers, and research managers in these regions are still not aware of the possible harm of presence of these nematodes in their agricultural soils. The cyst nematodes are perhaps smaller than the smallest available computer chip but they are very well programmed to survive and pro pagate despite severe hardships. These nematodes are very selective in their choice of food; about 50% of known species are parasites of plants mainly in the families Poaceae and Fabaceae.

Klappentext

The damage caused by nematodes to agricultural crops worldwide runs into billions of dollars and cyst nematodes are one of the most important of these nematode pests. Although initially assumed to be a major problem only in temperate regions, they are now considered to be of global importance across a range of different agro-ecological zones. This unique book, the only one in recent years to concentrate wholly on cyst nematodes, offers a global perspective on this important crop pest. An international team of contributors, each one an active researcher in this area, presents an extensive and completely up-to-date review of our current knowledge; topics discussed include evolution, genetic diversity, genetic engineering, taxonomy, distribution, biology and physiology, pathogenicity, and control. The information contained within this book will be invaluable to students and specialists studying or researching nematodes; it will also be of interest and value to anyone working in the fields of crop protection, biological control, integrated pest management or sustainable agriculture.

Zusammenfassung
`Summarizing, the book can be recommended as an essential source of information, a very useful tool for teaching and comprehensive reference work.'
Journal of Phytopathology, 149:3/4(2001)

Inhalt
1 Distribution and economic importance.- 2 Morphology and ultrastructure.- 3 Evolution, phylogeny and systematics.- 4 Taxonomy and identification.- 5 Survey, surveillance and crop loss assessment.- 6 Extraction, culturing and microscopy.- 7 Biology.- 8 Hatch and emergence.- 9 Host finding, invasion and feeding.- 10 Pathogenicity and damage levels.- 11 Interrelations with other microorganisms and pests.- 12 Development of resistant and tolerant varieties.- 13 Genetics of resistance and parasitism.- 14 Mechanisms of resistance.- 15 Natural parasites and biological control.- 16 Management.- 17 Genetic engineering.