Integrated management reduces Globodera rostochiensis abundance and enhances nematode community composition

The potato cyst nematode is a major threat to potato production worldwide. In the highlands of Veracruz State, Mexico, potato cultivation has been the main economic activity during the last seven decades, and it is severely affected by the high abundance of Globodera rostochiensis. In this study, the field efficacy of chemical nematicides, nematophagous fungi, crop rotation and the combination of the latter two strategies were assessed on G. rostochiensis abundance while also considering their effects on the free-living nematode community. Integrated management combining the use of nematophagous fungi and crop rotation was the most effective strategy for decreasing the abundance of G. rostochiensis (up to 13%). Additionally, high diversity, low disturbance, and a slightly higher structure were observed in the nematode community in the integrated management treatment. Although nematophagous fungi and crop rotation separately were less effective in reducing G. rostochiensis abundance (41% and 23%, r...