Nematophagous Fungi as an Extraordinary Tool to Control Parasitic Nematodes: A Review

Due to the harmful impacts of using chemicals in controlling plant pests as nematodes, there is a current trend of employing natural pesticides that show potency together without contaminating the environment or negatively affect human and other creatures. Hence, the name of nematophagous fungi has risen as potent biocontrol tools that attack nematodes specifically without harming surrounding ecosystem. Different nematophagous fungal species act as natural predators of nematodes and soil-dwelling worms. Hence, we aimed in this review to discuss importance of nematophagous fungi, their occurrence, taxonomy and evolution. Also, describing examples of using nematophagous fungi as biological control agents. Moreover, the future of employing nematophagous fungi in general and mushrooms in particular in this field is highlighted.