author(s)
Seena R Subhagan, Dr. Dhalin D and Dr. Ajith Kumar K

abstract
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a highly valued spice crop and probably the oldest known spice to mankind. Globally, black pepper production is adversely affected by several biotic and abiotic factors. Among biotic factors plant parasitic nematodes play an important role which causes significant yield losses and affects their productivity. Various synthetic chemicals have been used for the control of several plant parasitic nematodes, but due to serious non-target effects and environmental hazards, most of the pesticides have been withdrawn from the market. The search for environment friendly alternatives to manage plant parasitic nematode populations has, therefore, become increasingly important and have identified microbial agents as an alternative. Fungal pathogens and bacterial pathogens have been studied and proved as potential agents for microbial control of plant parasitic nematodes in black pepper. This article discusses the important plant parasitic nematodes on black pepper with special reference to root knot nematode and burrowing nematode and the different microbial agents to manage plant parasitic nematodes.