The 2nd Belt and Road International Nematology Symposium was successfully held in Xi'an from November 3rd to 5th, co-hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection, CAAS (IPPCAAS), Bio- Agriculture Institute of Shaanxi, State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, and the Plant Nematology Committee of the Chinese Society for Plant Pathology. Prof. Kang Zhensheng, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Northwest A&F University, Prof. Chen Yiping, Vice President of the Shaanxi Academy of Sciences, Prof. Liu Rongrong, Deputy Director General of IPPCAAS, Prof. Peng Deliang of IPPCAAS, along with more than 160 experts and scholars from eight countries, including the United States, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Pakistan, attended the symposium.

Academician Kang Zhensheng, in his opening speech, expressed that significant progress has been made in the field of plant nematology over the past few decades, particularly in nematology biology, monitoring and early warning, and comprehensive control. He hopes to continue leveraging the advantages of collaboration between senior, middle-aged, and young researchers, better applying existing achievements in countries along the Belt and Road. Prof. Liu Rongrong gave full recognition to the essential role of nematode control in food safety. She hopes that the IPPCAAS will continue to play a leading role in formulating comprehensive nematode control strategies and developing new technologies. Professors Martinez from the Philippines and Dr. Mohotti from Sri Lanka stated that the convening of this international symposium plays a crucial role in advancing plant nematode control technologies for countries along the Belt and Road in ensuring local agricultural production safety. They look forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries.

The symposium focused on the theme of "Regional Control of Crop Nematode and Food Safety" and engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions. Foreign experts, including Professor Martinez from the University of Mindanao, Dr. Zhang Lei from Purdue University, Dr. Mohotii from the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute, Dr. Chen Xinwei from the James Hutton Institute, Dr. Zhao Zengqi from the Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, and Dr. Abdulsalam from Ahmadu Bello University, shared insights on local nematode disease control, the significance of nematodes as indicators of soil health, the effectiveness and mechanisms of compound control of nematodes, and the hazards and importance of newly emerging nematode diseases. Representatives from over 20 domestic research institutes and universities delved into discussions on crop resistance, nematode effectors, biological control fungi, and the mechanisms of their interaction with nematodes, as well as the crucial role of intermediary insects in nematode transmission and harm.

The symposium was conducted both online and offline, along with live streaming that attracted more than 5,000 viewers. Media outlets, such as Xinhua Net and Science and Technology Daily reported on the event, contributing to the promotion of methods, technologies, and information in nematology research and application, fostering academic exchange, and advancing theories in nematode regional control along the Belt and Road Initiative. The symposium served as a significant platform for domestic and international nematologists to engage in academic exchange and showcase research achievements, aiding in the enhancement of cross-border research and control capabilities in plant nematology, holding particular importance in safeguarding national food security.