Development of resistant and tolerant varieties

Our review of plant breeding for cyst nematode control focuses on three crops where cultivars specifically selected for resistance have been commercially exploited, that is soybeans, cereals and potatoes. Cyst nematodes are among the most important pests of both soybean and potato crops, especially in the USA and Europe, respectively, and problems with cereal cyst nematodes are widespread. Through consideration of resistance breeding in each crop we illustrate some of the achievements of this environmentally benign and acceptable approach to crop protection. We also recognize some problems to progress and discuss future opportunities for improved exploitation of resistance and tolerance to control nematodes and minimize economic losses.