World Database of Nematodes

To manage harmful nematodes in agriculture effectively and sustainably, it is essential to know exactly which species is present. Identifying nematode species is complex, costly and requires highly specialized expertise, which is available only in a limited number of places worldwide. Researchers at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) are contributing to the development of an AI-based identification system for nematodes. A first milestone has been achieved: the AI system can now independently recognize the root-knot nematode?Meloidogyne chitwoodi?through a microscope. In tests, its performance matched that of an experienced taxonomic nematologist.