- Howard Ferris: Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
- Ingrid Varela Benavides: Instituto Tecnol��gico de Costa Rica, San Carlos, Costa Rica.
We briefly review the history and development of recognizing nematode assemblages as indicators of environmental conditions. We highlight the effects of spatio-temporal successional changes in nematode assemblages on the auto-regeneration of ecosystem functions after disturbance. We expand on the need for herbivory components in the analysis of soil nematode assemblages in recognition of the important impact of plant parasitism on the resources and productivity of the soil system. Finally, we point out some important areas of research that would enhance the process and value of nematode faunal analysis. We include an evaluation of the current potential for molecular assessment of nematode abundance and function and for the application of artificial intelligence in automated nematode identification.