Approximately 80 delegates across the globe gathers in Morocco from the 11-16th September to discuss the distribution of nematodes, what 
strategies can be used to lessen their impact on crops and boost international collaboration on research. The Symposium was the 6th in the series and was organised by Dr Amer Dababat, Leader of CIMMYTs Soil Borne Pathogen program on wheat in collaboration with Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture (INRA) with Dr Fouad Mokrani (Nematologist). The Cereal Nematodes discussed included Cereal Cyst, Root Lesion, Root Knot and Gall. There was a focus on the use of genetic host resistance along with other integrated control methods.
The full report (REPORT 6thICN) and link to proceedings is provided here PROCEEDINGS 6thICN. CIMMYT in collaboration with Turkey and partners has and continues to identify lines with genetic resistance to Cereal Nematodes and Fusarium Root Rot as part of an ongoing GRDC project linked with CAIGE.
Representing Australia as an invited speaker at the symposium was Grant Hollaway from Agriculture Victoria, Horsham. Grant noted the increased awareness of soil borne diseases, especially nematodes in the WANA region, with many participants having participated in one of CIMMYT’s Soil Borne Disease Masterclass and/or previous Nematode Symposiums. The improved understanding of the impacts of root diseases on production will increase emphasis on the development of tolerant germplasm, which will ultimately become available to Australia through the CAIGE program. Symposium participants were very keen to further develop root disease research through the development of strong collaborative links.
The next symposium is planned for 2019 to be hosted by India. For further information on this and CIMMYTs Soil Borne Pathogen program please contact Dr Dababat a.dabadat@cgiar.org .
