From Old-Generation to Next-Generation Nematicides

The phaseout of methyl bromide and the ban on, or withdrawal of, other toxic soil fumigants and non-fumigant nematicides belonging to the organophosphate and carbamate groups are leading to changes in nematode-control strategies. Sustainable nematode-control methods are available and preferred, but not always effective enough, especially for cash crops in intensive agriculture. A few non-fumigant nematicides, which have a relatively high control efficacy with a low toxicity to non-target organisms, have been released to the market or are in the process of being registered for use. Fluensulfone, fluopyram, and fluazaindolizine are the three main and most promising next-generation nematicides. In this paper, several aspects of these non-fumigant nematicides are reviewed, along with a brief history and problems of old-generation nematicides.