NEM-EMERGE: An integrated set of novel approaches to counter the emergence and proliferation of invasive and virulent soil-borne nematodes

Global food production faces many threats, among them root-knot nematodes (RKN) and potato cyst nematodes (PCN). These two worms, found in the soil, are plant parasites. RKN and PCN are high on alert lists, and new problems are emerging fuelled by global warming, genetic selection and limitations on the use of conventional environmentally dangerous agrochemicals. The EU-funded MEN-EMRGE project will minimise the threat to both conventional and organic farming. This will be done with optimised crop rotation schemes, tailored host plant resistance, and optimal use of soil’s inherent antagonistic potential. This will be complemented by monitoring and risk assessment tools to support decision – and policymaking by plant health authorities.