What Does Nematicide Mean?
Nematicides (sometimes spelled nematocides) are a type of chemical pesticide that are used to kill nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic parasitic worms that can live in soil or water. Nematodes, especially root knot nematodes, can cause losses in vegetables and other crops in greenhouses, home gardens, and commercial farms.
Most nematicides are broad-spectrum pesticides that have a high volatility. However, there are some natural nematicides that cause little to no impact to the environment. Nematicides generally come in two common variations, the first being a fumigant, and the second being a non-fumigant.
Maximum Yield Explains Nematicide
Nematodes are parasitic worms that feed on living material. They can often be detrimental to plant growth and health as they attack and feed on plant roots. There are several different nematicides that are used by gardeners to control nematodes.
Although these parasitic worms that live in the soil and water are microscopic in size, they can cause major damage when they feed on plant tissues and roots. Nematicides can kill nematodes and prevent your plants from experiencing stunted growth.
One example of this is fumigant nematicides. This type of pesticide is dispersed through the spaces in soil as a gas, thus killing nematodes living in those spaces. These types of nematicides are most effective in well-drained soil.
Another type of nematicide is the non-fumigant variety. These pesticides are non-volatile, come in liquid and solid form, and can be applied to the surface or mixed into the top soil.
Most nematicides are generally only approved for commercial applications since they are highly toxic. However, there are several natural methods that can be used by gardeners to help prevent nematodes. Some natural nematicides are the use of companion plants, such as marigolds, to help control nematode populations. Additionally, soil steaming is an efficient nematicide; however, it will indiscriminately kill both harmful and beneficial soil organisms.
