Nematodes: what they are, how they originate, and how to eliminate them effectively

Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic, worm-shaped organisms that live mainly in the soil. They belong to the phylum Nematoda and among the most harmful species for plants are Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp. and Heterodera spp. They begin their development from eggs deposited in the soil or in root tissues. The second stage larvae (J2) emerge from the egg and are the ones that actively infect the roots, penetrating the plant tissue to feed and continue their development. Some species form specialized structures such as nodules or giant cells in the roots, while others migrate freely between the cells. After several molts, they reach the adult stage, where the males generally stop feeding and the females remain inside or on the surface of the roots, laying eggs that are protected by a gelatinous matrix. This process can be repeated several times a year, especially under favorable temperature and humidity conditions, allowing rapid accumulation of harmful populations in the soil.