Abstract:
Meloidogyne species pose a significant threat to crop production in Africa due to the losses they cause in a wide range of
agricultural crops. The direct and indirect damage caused by various Meloidogyne species results in delayed maturity,
toppling, reduced yields and quality of crop produce, high costs of production and therefore loss of income. In addition,
emergence of resistance-breaking Meloidogyne species has partly rendered various pest management programmes already
in place ineffective, therefore putting food security of the continent at risk. It is likely that more losses may be experienced
in the future due to the on-going withdrawal of nematicides. To adequately address the threat of Meloidogyne
species in Africa, an accurate assessment and understanding of the species present, genetic diversity, population structure,
parasitism mechanisms and how each of these factors contribute to the overall threat posed by Meloidogyne species is
important. Thus, the ability to accurately characterize and identify Meloidogyne species is crucial if the threat of
Meloidogyne species to crop production in Africa is to be effectively tackled. This review discusses the use of traditional
versus molecular-based identification methods of Meloidogyne species and how accurate identification using a polyphasic
approach can negate the eminent threat of root knot nematodes in crop production. The potential threat to Africa posed
by highly damaging and resistance-breaking populations of ‘emerging’ Meloidogyne species is also examined
