Root - knot nematode ( Meloidogyne ) management in vegetable crop 1 production : the challenge of an agronomic system analysis

15 Root-knot nematodes are a growing concern for vegetable producers, because chemical 16 nematicides are gradually disappearing. Alternative techniques based on agronomic practices 17 are needed to solve the problem. This review analyzes the most recent studies related to these 18 techniques and their combinations and identifies the most effective ones. Based on an 19 agronomic point of view, the analysis focuses on a description of agricultural factors and 20 practices, rather than on biological processes. Several alternative techniques are considered, 21 including sanitation, soil management, organic amendments, fertilization, biological control 22 and heat-based methods. We analyzed the effects of each practice and interactions among 23 techniques and found large variations among studies. Many practices are only partially 24 effective for nematode control; thus, combining control methods in a systemic analysis 25 presents a challenge. We outline such an ongoing systemic approach and identify key future 26 research studies.