Technologies for integrated nematode management in smallholder farming systems: no one-size-fits-all.

In this chapter, the need to take a more critical look at the highly precarious and vulnerable situation of smallholder farming systems, the predominant type of the agricultural output worldwide, is emphasized. These farmers represent 98% of the farmers in the world that sustain the local production of staple crops such as rice, maize, cassava, groundnut and millet. Although there is some disparity in the figures, recent data estimates that there are between 380 and 500 million smallholder farming households globally. The productivity of the smallholders' farms depends on soil health and quality, agroecological conditions (irrigated versus rainfed), access to agricultural inputs and new technologies. These last two also critically influence smallholders' ability to manage pests and diseases, including plant parasitic nematodes (PPN). This chapter discusses the epidemiological perspective, diagnostics and surveillance, alternate host and in-field spread of PPN. Breeding programmes for PPN resistance, seed delivery system, importance of clean planting material, influence of land availability to smallholders' ability to practice fallow and rotation for nematode management are described. The use of trap crops, cover crops, nematicides and biological control agents for nematode suppression are also discussed. Future developments aimed at promoting the progress of smallholder farming systems are also mentioned.