Biotechnological Approaches: A New Era in Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne) Management

Root-knot nematodes (RKN), belonging to the genus Meloidogyne, are devastating plant parasites that cause significant global agricultural crop losses. Traditional control strategies like chemical nematicides and crop rotation have limited efficacy and environmental sustainability. In recent years, biotechnological tools have emerged as promising alternatives. Techniques such as RNA interference (RNAi), host-induced gene silencing, molecular marker-assisted selection, and transgenic strategies offer novel and eco-friendly management options for plant parasitic nematodes. This article explores the mechanisms and potential applications of these biotechnological interventions, highlighting their effectiveness and future prospects in integrated pest management (IPM) systems.