The Biobrio 13(1 & 2), 2026

Plant-parasitic nematodes of paddy in India with special reference to Bihar: Diversity, distribution and management perspectives

Priti Ranjan & Anita Kumari

ABSTRACT:

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple crop underpinning food security and rural livelihoods across India, particularly in agriculturally dependent states such as Bihar. However, rice productivity is significantly constrained by plant-parasitic nematodes, which cause substantial yield losses and often remain undetected due to their hidden mode of infection. India supports a diverse community of nematodes associated with paddy ecosystems, including economically important species such as Meloidogyne graminicola, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Hirschmanniella oryzae, and Ditylenchus angustus. Among these, M. graminicola is recognized as the most destructive, particularly in upland and rainfed conditions. Despite the agricultural importance of Bihar, systematic studies on nematode diversity and distribution in the region remain limited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diversity, biology, distribution, and economic importance of paddy nematodes in India, with special emphasis on Bihar. It also examines advances in diagnostic approaches and highlights sustainable management strategies, including cultural, biological, and integrated pest management practices. The study identifies key research gaps and emphasizes the need for region-specific investigations to support effective nematode management and enhance rice productivity.

Keywords:    

Paddy, Nematodes, Meloidogyne graminicola, Integrated Pest Management

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