Bioactivated nematicides selectively kill parasitic nematodes.

Researchers have developed a new class of bioactivated nematicides that selectively target parasitic nematodes, which cause significant crop yield losses. The nematicides are activated by the nematodes themselves, reducing the risk of harm to non-target organisms. The study used the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to identify compounds that were toxic to nematodes but not harmful to other organisms. The bioactivated nematicides could help reduce the use of conventional pesticides and promote sustainable agriculture.