Nematicide

A nematicide is a chemical or biological agent used to kill or control plant-parasitic nematodes. Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are microscopic worms found in soil and water that feed on the roots of plants and can cause significant damage to crops. Nematicides are used to reduce or eliminate the population of nematodes, thereby reducing the amount of damage they cause. The most common types of nematicides are fumigants, which are toxic gases used to sterilize soil, and chemicals such as carbamates, organophosphates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, which are applied to the soil to kill nematodes. Biological nematicides, such as bacteria, fungi, and nematophagous fungi, are also used to control nematodes. These organisms feed on the nematodes and can reduce their population in the soil. In addition, some nematicides, such as certain fumigants, also have an effect on other soil-borne pests, such as fungi, insects, and weeds.