Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part G (2025)

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most harmful biotic organisms affecting citrus crops globally, resulting to huge financial losses by lowering tree vigor and fruit quality. The diverse diversity and distribution of these nematodes are affected by many agroecological and edaphic characteristics. This review explores the present grasp of the community composition, species richness, and ecological characteristics of PPNs connected with citrus cultivation over diverse geographical regions, with particular emphasis on India and other semiarid to tropical ecosystems. The dominant genera in citrus rhizospheres are Tylenchulus, Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, and Xiphinema. T. semipenetrans, for instance, was found to be 70-100% common in studies conducted in India, Morocco, Egypt, and Korea. Helicotylenchus (45-75%), Meloidogyne (15-69%), Pratylenchus (27-47%), and Xiphinema (7-8%) were frequently found to follow. Common research techniques include morphologically identifying nematodes to genus or species, extracting the soil using a modified Baermann or sieve, and using composite soil samples from orchards (e.g., 1 kilogram per site in a zigzag pattern). Their populations are impacted by soil temperature, moisture, pH, organic matter, and management practices. Regional surveys have showed large variations in nematode diversity, which usually suggest environment gradients and soil physical properties. Soil texture and farming practices are also major factors determining nematode density and diversity. This study summarizes research results from several studies to show how PPNs' stability and abundance are influenced by environmental interactions and how they fit into larger soil food webs. Furthermore, in order to give a comprehensive picture of the ecological roles and pestiferous dynamics of nematode communities, both regional and temporal changes have been studied. It is essential to address PPN variety and community structure in order to create sustainable citrus pest management solutions. A better understanding of nematode ecology would limit the use of targeted control techniques, such as soil amendments, resistant cultivars, and biocontrol agents—all essential elements of integrated nematode management programs.