Nematophagous fungi (NF) are a group of diverse fungal genera that benefit plants. The aim of this review is to increase comprehension about the importance of nematophagous fungi and their role in phosphorus solubilization to favor its uptake in agricultural ecosystems. They use different mechanisms, such as acidification in the medium, organic acids production, and the secretion of enzymes and metabolites that promote the bioavailability of phosphorus for plants. This study summarizes the processes of solubilization, in addition to the mechanisms of action and use of NF on crops, evidencing the need to include innovative alternatives for the implementation of microbial resources in management plans. In addition, it provides information to help understand the effect of NF to make phosphorus available for plants, showing how these biological means promote phosphorus uptake, thus improving productivity and yield.

Nematophagous fungi can feed on nematodes under nutrient-poor conditions. They live in the soil and their study is important because of their possible use in the biocontrol of phytoparasitic nematodes. These fungi can be cultivated in the laboratory using different media and substrates, making them potential agents for agricultural use in tropical environments. The objective was to review recent scientific advances in the ecological interactions of nematophagous fungi and their prey, with emphasis on their use as biological controllers. Given the importance of their interactions in the soil, diversity, abundance, dispersal, and colonization of different types of habitats, these fungal microorganisms can be specialists or generalists in the predation of nematode populations in their various stages (egg, juvenile or adult). The different scientific advances and applications of predatory fungi in some tropical crops in Latin American countries are also briefly described. After these explorations, it is possible to conclude that the integrated application of microorganisms in the soil could improve the production of some cultivars by efficiently reducing nematode populations. In addition, it could improve the structure of soil trophic interactions, with environmentally benign treatments that reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

A new species Neomyrmecridium asymmetricum, found on decaying leaves of Theobroma cacao, is distinguished by grouped conidiophores and polyblastic production of narrow clavate to subclavate, 1-septate, asymmetrical, and yellowish or subhyaline conidia. An ITS- and LSU-based phylogenetic analysis, description, and illustrations are provided. A key and illustrations to Neomyrmecridium species are also presented.

Phytopathogenic nematodes are a threat for agriculture, they cause plant diseases and economic losses worldwide. Currently, the pursuit of compounds of biological origin for nematode biocontrol has become a priority as an environmentally friendly alternative. Microorganisms-derived compounds have several strategies to reduce the populations of infectious juvenile nematodes. Although microorganisms and their metabolites are the focus of literature reports reviews on nematicidal control, interactions between fungi, bacteria, and nematodes, as well as the compounds that are generated in such interactions, are not highlighted. The aim of this review was to discuss the latest advances on chemical compounds secreted by microorganisms and their interaction mechanisms for biological control of phytopathogenic nematodes. Results were organized based on: i) mode of action, ii) infection process, iii) nematicide compounds, iv) interactions and field applications, and v) current challenges. The scope of this review contributes to a better comprehension of the versatility of bacterial and fungal compounds for their use in the development of management plans for nematode control.

Mecanismos de captura, colonización y alimentación empleados por parásitos y predadores de nematodos. Los organismos del suelo tienen un papel fundamental en la estructura y ciclo de nutrientes en los ecosistemas; especialmente los nematodos que son abundantes y funcionalmente diversos. Debido a que algunos taxones de nematodos causan enfermedades a las plantas, la mayoría de los estudios tienen un enfoque agrícola, por tanto, es de relevancia ecológica conocer los diferentes grupos de organismos de suelo que los consumen o parasitan. El propósito de esta revisión es discutir sobre los mecanismos de captura, colonización o alimentación que ejercen los enemigos naturales de los nematodos, especialmente los predadores y parásitos, tales como bacterias, hongos, nematodos, microartrópodos y tardígrados. Algunas bacterias que se encuentran en la rizosfera sintetizan moléculas tóxicas que matan a los nematodos mientras que los hongos nematófagos pueden ser predadores, endoparásitos, parásitos de huevos, productores de toxinas y presentar dispositivos especiales para la captura de sus presas. Además, los nematodos predadores presentan tres mecanismos de alimentación: las especies del orden Mononchida cortan a sus presas o las consumen enteras, las del orden Diplogasterida cortan y succionan los contenidos y finalmente las de los ordenes Dorylaimida y Aphelenchida emplean un estilete para perforar y succionar. En el caso de los microartrópodos, los colémbolos emplean sus maxilares y los ácaros sus quelíceros para agarrar, triturar y masticar, mientras que los tardígrados pueden devorar nematodos enteros. Conocer las estrategias de los parásitos y predadores de nematodos complementa la investigación en patógenos de importancia agrícola y contribuye a la comprensión de la complejidad de las redes tróficas del suelo.

Antarctica’s extreme cryospheric conditions impose severe thermodynamic constraints on the natural attenuation of hydrocarbon pollutants. Despite the Antarctic Treaty System’s protections, the footprint of human logistics has left persistent reservoirs of petroleum hydrocarbons that threaten endemic biodiversity. This review critically synthesizes the state-of-the-art in Antarctic bioremediation, moving beyond traditional culture-dependent studies to integrate recent multi-omics breakthroughs (2020–2025). We analyze the molecular mechanisms limiting bioavailability in frozen soils and highlight the adaptive strategies of psychrophilic consortia, including the modification of membrane fluidity and the expression of cold-active enzymes (e.g., RHDs, AlkB). Notably, we discuss emerging findings on novel long-chain alkane degradation genes (almA, ladA) identified in 2025, which challenge previous assumptions about recalcitrance. Furthermore, the review evaluates the engineering bottlenecks of in situ versus ex situ strategies, emphasizing the synergistic potential of bacterial–fungal co-cultures and the ecological necessity of “climate-smart” remediation to mitigate methane emissions from thawing permafrost. By bridging the gap between fundamental microbial genetics and applied field engineering, we propose a roadmap for the next generation of biotechnological solutions in the warming polar environment.