Nematode problems in sugarcane and sugar beet and their sustainable management

Sugarcane is a major source of sugar production in the world, whereas sugar beet accounts for 14%–20% of the world's sugar production. Numerous important nematodes have been found infesting the sugarcane with an estimated yield loss of approximately 8%–14%. Nematode damage to sugar beet can result in approximately an 11% decline in the yield. The losses may rise further when other soil-borne pathogens occur in cohabitance with nematodes. Around 275 species belonging to 48 genera have been reported from sugarcane rhizosphere. Sugar beet has been reported to host 65 species of nematodes belonging to 27 genera. The important phytonematodes that may cause significant damage and yield reduction in sugarcane are Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne, Tylenchorhynchus, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, etc. Similarly, Heterodera, Meloidogyne, Nacobbus, Ditylenchus, Trichodorus, Paratrichodorus, and Longidorus may significantly affect the beet yield. The present chapter describes relevant details on above nematode genera in addition to some other nematodes infesting sugarcane and sugar beet, and offers appropriate sustainable methods for their management.