Publisher's Synopsis
During the past fifteen years there has been increasing concern over the adverse effects that certain chemical nematicides might have on the environment and human health. As with insecticides and insect pests therefore, there is now much greater emphasis on seeking natural enemies and biological methods of control of plant-parasitic nematodes. This book presents a comprehensive review of this subject, assessing recent progress, current problems and future prospects. A general overview of the soil environment is provided prior to an extensive discussion of the natural enemies of nematodes - principally fungi, but also bacteria, viruses and small invertebrates - and their present and future potential as biological control agents. The book, therefore, should appeal not only to plant nematologists, but also to those with a broader interest in soil microbiology or biological control.
