Rescue from nematode nightmares by using some chemical nematicides

Nematodes are worm-like, non-segmented invertebrates with complete digestive and respiratory systems but no respiratory or circulatory systems. The body wall comprises internal musculature, a hypodermis with four longitudinal cords, and a thick cuticle. The nervous system's most prominent characteristic is the nerve ring next to the nematode pharynx. Depending on the species and developmental stage, the excretory system performs osmoregulation or secretes substances vital to the nematode's life cycle. It has never been connected to the elimination of metabolic waste. Most of the contents of the body are made up of the digestive and reproductive systems.

Most soil nematicides are covered in greater depth elsewhere in this volume and listed as fungicides or insecticides. The challenge of finding or creating chemicals that can pass through the soil has led to this broad-spectrum action. Nematicide development is frequently an add-on to research programs seeking controls for other organisms due to the tiny commercial market for nematicides compared to other pesticides. In this article, we will list chemical nematicides containing several substances.

This 1,2-dichloropropane/1,3-dichloropropane mixture was widely used as a successful nematicide until issues with groundwater contamination led to its discontinuation in usage in 1984. The 1,2-dichloropropane component proved comparatively ineffective as a nematicide at the amounts employed in agricultural areas.

It was common to find this fumigant in liquid form with significant nematode-specific action. The substance gained notoriety due to its value in post-plant applications. Some DBCP applicators also reportedly experienced sanitation issues. In the late 1980s, all usage was forbidden. According to classification, DBCP may or may not cause human cancer.

Another widely used nematicide is metam sodium, a soil fumigant that controls nematodes, fungi, insects, and weeds. When applied to soil, Metam sodium is transformed into MITC, the active biocidal agent. Except as a wood preservative, MITC is no longer approved for use as a soil pesticide. In some situations, but not others, metam sodium and similar chemicals offer reasonable control over nematodes. One of the few chemicals with fumigant action provided in granular form is dazomet. 

The principal application of the substance is as a nematicide, even though it also exhibits fungicidal and insecticidal activity, particularly against wireworms. It is categorized as a potential or probable human carcinogen. Two isomers can be found in liquid commercial formulations. Trans-1,3-D was shown to be 60% more hazardous in aqueous form than the cis isomer in one set of studies but 90% more toxic in vapor form. 

The nematode-toxic fumigant methyl bromide has a broad spectrum. The fourth most often used insecticide was methyl bromide. It is agronomically advantageous against soil fungi, nematodes, insects, and weeds. By 2005, according to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement that governs compounds that deplete the ozone layer, industrialized nations must stop using methyl bromide. Although a lot of research has been done to find nematicidal methyl bromide substitutes, it does not seem like any one substance will be able to do so. Methyl bromide is used as a gas because it does not have an Odor.

Oxamyl is a carbamate produced in liquid and granular form, similar to carbofuran. Oxamyl is the only nematicide with downward-moving systemic activity; it has been approved for use as a foliar nematicide and has been shown to reduce Pratylenchus penetrans on lilies. Oxamyl is used extensively worldwide and has lower soil persistence than aldicarb.

Fosthiazate is a systemic organophosphorus nematicide with a recently developed broad-spectrum action. There is a microgranule formulation made of clay. Fosthiazate successfully controlled Meloidogyne species on tobacco, Meloidogyne arenaria on peanuts, lesion nematodes on potatoes, root-knot nematodes on smoking, and Rotylenchulus reniformis on pineapple. 

This nonsystemic organophosphate is used in various nations to manage soil insects and nematodes on crops like bananas. Radopholus similis, a burrowing worm, is effectively controlled by cadusafos in imported bananas. According to reports, Cadusafos has a low risk of contaminating groundwater and effectively controls Tylenchulus semipenetrans, a citrus nematode. Commercially, cadusafos is offered in granular and microencapsulated forms.

A less common organophosphate with insecticidal and a few nematicidal uses is rebuffs. It can be purchased in granular forms. Fensulfothion is a systemic drug used for nematicidal and insecticidal activities but is not currently registered. Formulations for fine and emulsifiable concentrates were offered. Phorate has nematicidal applications, and its primary function is as a soil insecticide. Thionazin, fosthietan, and isazofos are three examples of the few registered organophosphate nematicides.

Nematodes are tiny aquatic organisms that may survive in various settings, including soil. Nematode activity, in general, is a sign of healthy soil. Some nematode species, however, are essential plant parasites. Nematodes that parasitize plants can significantly lower crop yields. Fortunately, assessing their presence and adopting various steps to lessen their adverse effects on a crop is possible. So, by using the above-mentioned nematode solution, you can get rid of nematodes.

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