Plant Parasitic Nematodes in California Agriculture

California produces the largest diversity of agricultural crops in the U.S. As sole producer of several fruit, nut and vegetable crops in the nation, California is a main provider of food for the U.S. and much of the world. Unfortunately, plant parasitic nematodes can significantly impact the state’s crop productions. In this chapter, a developmental account of nematode problems associated with major crops, nematode biology and regional distribution, and past to present management practices including sustainable strategies are discussed for certain main, economically important plant parasitic nematode species.