Meloidogyne enterolobii, a threat to crop production with particular reference to sub-Saharan Africa: an extensive, critical and updated review

Abstract

Summary Crop damage inflicted by Meloidogyne enterolobii justifies an updated literature review focusing on recent discoveries about its identification, biology and management. Since its description in 1983, M. enterolobii has become a pest of great concern, particularly due to its virulence, which renders controlling this nematode pest a challenge. The global distribution of M. enteroblii is summarised, with emphasis placed on limited research done for the species in sub-Saharan Africa where food production and security is threatened by root-knot nematode parasitism. Novel advances in methods used to detect M. enterolobii are touched upon, especially the improvement in advanced molecular techniques that complements shortcomings in morphology and morphometic approaches. Despite these exciting developments, the employment of effective management strategies to combat the species remains problematic. Future research on various aspects of M. enterolobii is crucial, with focus to be placed on the use of available resources to contain damage caused by this species.