Eco-Friendly Management of Root Lesion Nematodes Using Volatile Allelochemicals
Root lesion nematodes (RLNs) are major plant parasites causing significant global yield losses in a wide range of crops. Current management strategies largely depend on synthetic nematicides, which raise environmental and human health concerns due to their broad-spectrum toxicity and persistence in...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Agronomy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/15/7/1605 |
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| Summary: | Root lesion nematodes (RLNs) are major plant parasites causing significant global yield losses in a wide range of crops. Current management strategies largely depend on synthetic nematicides, which raise environmental and human health concerns due to their broad-spectrum toxicity and persistence in the ecosystem. Volatile allelochemicals offer a promising, environmentally safer alternative due to their biodegradability and lower toxicity to mammals. In this study, we assessed the nematicidal activity of five allelochemical volatiles—dimethyl sulphide (DMS), dimethyl disulphide (DMDS), <i>trans</i>-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), <i>trans</i>-2-decenal (T2D), and <i>trans</i>-2-undecenal (T2U)—against <i>Pratylenchus penetrans</i>, using direct-contact bioassays, in comparison with the conventional nematicide oxamyl. Additionally, we assessed their environmental behaviour and toxicity profiles through in silico modelling. At 1 mg/mL, TCA, T2D, and T2U exhibited strong activity against <i>P. penetrans</i>, outperforming oxamyl by up to 1.6-fold, while DMS and DMDS showed reduced activity. The environmental risk assessment revealed that these compounds have a lower predicted persistence and bioaccumulation compared with oxamyl or fluopyram, a new generation nematicide. Though these findings boost the potential of these compounds as sustainable alternatives for RLN management, field validation and testing with non-target organisms remain necessary for the development of biopesticides. Nevertheless, this study emphasizes the need for an integrated risk-based assessment in the selection of nematicidal agents, warranting efficacy as well as environmental safety. |
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| ISSN: | 2073-4395 |