Prevalence of phytoparasitic nematodes and damage levels on vegetable crops in the southwest Ethiopia: An approach towards development of a sustainable nematode management

Various vegetable crops are grown in the southwest part of Ethiopia. The production is affected, among others, by plant parasitic nematodes. The problem of nematodes is not well appreciated due to the nature of the damage together with limited awareness of the nematode problem in the country. However, the extent of the problem has recently been revealed through the work of some nematologists elsewhere in the country. In the southwest, regardless of the severe impact of the nematode pests, no management method is yet available. Because, the control method depends on the nematode species, the identification and characterization of their damage level require investigation. Furthermore, to limit the use of chemicals, studying natural antagonistic microorganisms is of paramount importance. Isolation of efficient microorganisms to control plant parasitic nematodes will lead to an environmental friendly sustainable approach for nematode management.