Molecular Biopesticides Emerge as Specific, Environmentally Safer Tools for Nematode Management

Plant-parasitic nematodes inflict significant yield and economic losses globally, posing a persistent challenge due to their soil-borne nature and broad host range. Current management strategies, including conventional nematicides, often raise regulatory, safety, and environmental concerns, while cultural practices and host resistance face limitations in field performance or breeding. This creates a critical gap for novel, sustainable solutions. Molecular biopesticides, leveraging precise mechanisms like RNA interference (RNAi) or specific protein toxicity, represent a promising frontier to target nematode vulnerabilities with enhanced specificity and reduced ecological impact.

This review synthesizes advances in molecular biopesticides for managing plant-parasitic nematodes, covering RNAi-based approaches (including host-delivered RNAi and exogenous dsRNA) and recombinant proteins/peptides. It also examines characterized secondary metabolites derived from natural sources. The review specifically addresses critical challenges such as dsRNA instability and bioavailability, highlighting the role of nanocarrier-enabled protection, controlled release, and enhanced uptake. Further discussions include target discovery, delivery platforms, efficacy evidence, biosafety considerations, and integration into integrated pest management strategies.

The review highlights that RNAi-based approaches leverage gene silencing to target essential nematode genes, with nanocarriers showing promise for protecting dsRNA from degradation and enhancing uptake. Recombinant proteins and peptides demonstrate direct nematotoxic effects, while characterized secondary metabolites offer diverse modes of action. Significant progress in target discovery and delivery platforms, such as nanocarriers, is crucial for overcoming bioavailability and stability hurdles. > Molecular biopesticides offer mechanism-based targeting of nematode genes, effectors, or essential pathways with greater specificity and potentially lower ecological footprints compared to conventional nematicides. Biosafety and field validation are critical next steps for commercialization, with ongoing research focusing on scalable manufacturing and robust delivery systems to translate these promising technologies into practical, field-ready solutions.