What Are the Main Types of Nematicides? A Clear Guide to Common Classifications

There are two categories of pesticides used to kill nematodes: one is specific nematicides, namely pesticides specifically used to control nematodes; the other is facultative nematicides, which serve multiple purposes.

Classified by application method, they are divided into fumigant nematicides and non-fumigant nematicides.

Classified by chemical structure, they are divided into:

Organosulfur compounds, such as carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide; halogenated hydrocarbons, such as chloropicrin, methyl bromide, methyl iodide, dichloropropane, and bromochloropropane.

Methyl isothiocyanate generators, such as metham sodium and dazomet.

Organophosphorus compounds, such as dichlofenthion, fensulfothion, amidothion, butathiofos, fenamiphos, ethoprophos, cadusafos, and isazofos (Miral). This type of nematicide has developed rapidly and has many varieties. Its mechanism of action is that cholinesterase is inhibited, causing poisoning and death; nematodes are generally quite sensitive to these agents. Many varieties have systemic action, while some exhibit contact action. Their common features are a relatively broad nematicidal spectrum and very little residue in soil, making them currently among the more ideal nematicides.