The Meloidogyne spp., commonly known as root-knot nematodes (RKN), are obligate sedentary endoparasites considered among the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes globally. They harm crops by using parasitic proteins to alter host cell physiology, which promotes parasitism and reduces crop yield. Traditional RKN management, primarily through chemical control, negatively impacts the nutritional value, soil texture, and vegetable production, and poses risks to human health and the environment. An emerging eco-friendly and costeffective alternative is the use of plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM)-mediated biological approaches. The PGPM enhances plant growth directly by solubilizing phosphorus and iron, fixing nitrogen, producing phytohormones, siderophores, and ammonia, or indirectly through competition, antibiosis, hydrogen cyanide, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase enzyme, and exopolysaccharides (EPS) production. This review explores various RKN management strategies, emphasizing green biological approaches, their benefits and drawbacks, current commercial status and usage, and the underlying genes, challenges, and limitations associated with these methods.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are significant pests that cause considerable damage to crops, prompting a need for sustainable control methods. This study evaluated the nematicidal potential of fungal culture filtrates and botanicals as eco-friendly alternatives. In vitro tests demonstrated that Lemongrass oil (LG) (0.2%) achieved the highest mortality of nematode juveniles (J2s) at 99.44% within 48 h, while Pochonia chlamydosporia (Pc) (2%) and Purpuricillium lilacinum (Pl) (2%) reduced egg hatching rates to 9.57% and 11.43%, respectively. Neem oil (NM) (0.2%) was the most effective in preventing J2 root penetration (4.42%). In vivo, a combination treatment (T7) of NM (0.2%), Trichoderma harzianum (Tz) (2%), Pl (2%), and LG (0.2%) applied at 10 day intervals significantly reduced the nematode reproduction factor to 0.035, comparable to the chemical control Bayer Velum Prime (R) (Fluopyram 34.48% W/W SC) (0.031). T5 (NM and Tz) resulted in the highest shoot biomass (236.73 +/- 1.38 g), while Bayer Velum Prime (R) (Fluopyram 34.48% W/W SC) increased root biomass (31.75 +/- 1.24 g). Additionally, T7 produced the longest shoots (63.37 +/- 0.74 cm) and roots (36.80 +/- 0.3 cm), with fewer root galls (55.67 +/- 1.53) and egg masses (4 +/- 0.01). T7 also minimized the final soil nematode population to 106.33 +/- 1.01 per 100 g, closely followed by T8 (94.67 +/- 0.89). These results indicate that combining NM, Tz, Pl and LG provide effective nematode control without phytotoxic effects, enhancing plant growth and offering a promising sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides.

Allium species are known for their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Fusarium basal rot is one of the most damaging soilborne fungal diseases of Allium species and poses a significant threat to yield, quality, and storage life worldwide. Various species of Fusarium have been identified as causal agents for Fusarium basal rot, depending on the Allium species involved. Diverse disease management practices have been implemented to mitigate the impact of Fusarium basal rot. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent progress in detecting different species of Fusarium involved in Fusarium basal rot and strategies to control them in affected Allium species involving chemical, biological, and cultural methods. It covers the latest advancements in host plant resistance research from traditional breeding to modern molecular techniques and studying secondary metabolites involved in defense mechanisms against Fusarium basal rot.