Nematodes are one of the major problems faced by 20,000 species of nematodes identified so far. Nematodes feed on plant roots and consequently reduce the water and nutrient uptake, which
results in a reduction in yield. In addition, the infested plant becomes more vulnerable to other stress factors such as heat, nutrient deficiencies and disease-causing organisms.
Bio nematicides are natural, safe, and effective control agents against nematodes. Bio nematicides differ from traditional chemical pesticides because they target specific pests without affecting beneficial organisms, such as soil microbes and earthworms, that help sustain plant growth. In addition to being non-toxic to humans, bio nematicides have a lower risk of contaminating groundwater sources like lakes, rivers, and streams as they do not leach into the surrounding environment after application. This contamination-free feature owes to bio nematicides’ inherent property of not leaching into the environment after application to crops.