Root-knot nematodes in North African vegetable crops: Current status and green solutions as future management strategies

Abstract

Abstract Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) represent a major phytopathological threat, inflicting yield losses ranging from 5% to 100% across North African countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. RKNs management in this region has relied heavily on conventional chemical approaches, which have proven to be environmentally unsustainable and insufficient for long-term control. Over the past two decades, there has been a gradual but notable shift toward ecologically sound and climate-resilient solutions. This includes the integration of beneficial microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and entomopathogenic nematodes), organic amendments (compost and vermicompost), and plant-derived nematicidal compounds. Despite these advancements, an in-depth and critical regional synthesis is lacking. In this review, we rigorously analyzed over 100 peer-reviewed studies conducted across North Africa, extracting critical insights into the efficacy, application methods, and integration of sustainable nematode management strategies. Our evaluation not only highlights scientific advances but also contextualizes them within broader socio-political frameworks. Specifically, we address the pace and scope of sustainable agricultural adoption in the region, identifying that progress, while promising, remains uneven and slow. We further discuss regulatory frameworks and policy recommendations, including legislative instruments and sustainability guidelines introduced or endorsed by the European Union, which may serve as regulatory benchmarks for North African countries. Through this multidisciplinary lens, we aimed to enrich the current understanding of RKN management and support the region’s transition toward resilient, low-impact agricultural systems.