Nematology, crop protection and food security

The role of nematology in food security is discussed. Nematology began with the classification of species. The onset of monocultures required effective nematode management tools. Recently, more complex approaches to management include ecology, natural sciences and genomics, with important fallouts in crop protection. The food security goal is to satisfy any dietary need for the healthy life of all but this message has not spread globally. Benefits achievable through crop technologies are not equally distributed and food security is not yet assured for several million people. Many social, political or economic factors are involved, and nematology may only partially contribute to achieve this goal. However, the scientific knowledge produced can contribute to solving some food security issues. Fundamental conditions are free access to education and science, as well as support for independent production of knowledge, improving regional and international cooperation and research.