In the United States alone nematode damage in major crops is estimated to reduce crop yields by more than $5 billion
annually.
The Society of Nematology and other organizations estimate
global crop losses due to nematodes at $100 billion annually.
Plant-parasitic nematodes are the largest unmet pest problem facing agriculture today.
Approximately 28% of US crop acreage planted with field crops,
vegetables, potatoes, fruits and nuts is infested with nematodes
at economically damaging levels. The levels of infestations are
even higher in the southern hemisphere, and among certain
specialty crops.
It is estimated that 40% of US strawberry acreage is infested
with nematodes and 70% of the acreage receives chemical
nematicide treatment.
900,000 acres of peanuts in the US are infested by the
root-knot nematode, causing $81 million in losses annually.
