Title: Introduction to Nematodes
Headings: 
Parasites of Animals
Parasites of Humans
Nematode Parasites in Forestry
Nematodes in Rangeland
Nematodes of Aquatic Systems
Marine Nematodes
Nematodes in Urban Environments
References:

Content: Nematodes that feed on other organisms are important participants in the cycling of minerals and nutrients in the ecosystem that is fundamental to other biological activity. Some of these nematodes may have major roles in decomposition, including biodegradation of toxic compounds. In fact, the incidence of certain nematode species is sometimes used as an indicator of environmental quality. Insect-parasitic nematodes can be of importance in regulating insect populations, and are being used in the biological control of insect pests. The developmental biology of one nematode species, Caenorhabditis elegans , is better characterized than that of any other multicellular organism. C. elegans is studied as a model system in molecular and developmental biology, and is providing insights into many other areas of biology and medicine. Agriculture
The management of plant-parasitic nematodes has been fundamental to advances in agricultural production in the United States and worldwide. However, the use of certain pesticides, such as 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane ( DBCP) to control nematodes, has resulted in contamination of soil and groundwater in California. Current research seeks integrated and sustainable approaches to the management of nematode
populations through genetic manipulation of host plants, design of cropping systems, development of suppressive chemicals of botanical origin, and biological control. There is currently a major effort to shift from nematicide -based nematode management to alternative methods.