Prevalence of potato cyst (Globodera spp.) nematode and potato root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematode in Kenya and potential management strategies: A review

Nematodes are very diverse and could be free-living or plant parasite species. Amongst the existing categories, most aggressive ones root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), root-knot (Meloidogyne cyst (Globodera spp.). These categories affect over 2000 susceptible crop species causing varying yield losses, reaching 100% under heavy infestations in potatoes. The common hosts include tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), African eggplant aethiopicum), melongena), other solanaceous plants, including Physalis spp., Datura Hyoscyamus Physoclaina Salpiglossis Saracha spp. nematodes disseminated mainly through irrigation water, rainfall runoffs, infested soil particles, commercial seed potato tubers, contaminated footwear, animal hooves, farm implements, machinery. Effective control of requires farmers to practice integrated management systems with a combination at least two practices. Several cultural agronomic practices have shown some decent levels efficacy, thus recommended for adoption. Timely application these is critical achieving better outcomes. Among strategies, applying nematicides effective short term. It important cautious when using chemicals, as they pose significant risks humans environment. Again, products costly, especially those within moderate low toxicity, making them unsustainable out reach small-scale farmers.