Nematodes, a Problem for Soybean Crops in the Brazilian Cerrado

Nematodes can damage and cause significant suppression in soybean productivity (Glycine max) directly because of their migration and feeding activities, or indirectly as partners in disease complexes with other organisms. Several cultural practices have been investigated as possible management strategies for nematodes, including manipulation of planting season, soil preparation, and cultivars with higher resistance levels than currently available. This literature review shows that gall nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) significantly reduce soybean productivity [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the Brazilian cerrado. The most important pathogenic nematodes of soybean, worldwide, are the soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, and some of the gall nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. Currently, different management methods are necessary, being chemical, biological, and cultural to obtain maximum efficiency in the control of this pest.