Essential Oils as Sustainable Alternatives for Managing Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: A Comprehensive Review

Abdelfattah Dababat, Furkan Ulaş (), Ebubekir Yüksel, Muhammad Aasim, Muhammad Sameeullah and Mustafa İmren
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Abdelfattah Dababat: International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), 06170 Ankara, Türkiye
Furkan Ulaş: Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Sivas University of Science and Technology, 58010 Sivas, Türkiye
Ebubekir Yüksel: Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Erciyes University, 38030 Kayseri, Türkiye
Muhammad Aasim: Department of Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Robotics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Sivas University of Science and Technology, 58010 Sivas, Türkiye
Muhammad Sameeullah: Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14030 Bolu, Türkiye
Mustafa İmren: Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14030 Bolu, Türkiye

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-19

Abstract: Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a serious threat to global agriculture by reducing both yield and quality in high-value crops. Although chemical nematicides provide rapid control, their application is increasingly restricted due to environmental pollution and toxicity to non-target organisms. These limitations have increased the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising nematicides due to their sustainable nature and bioactivity. EOs of plant families such as Lamiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Lauraceae, Apiaceae, and Zingiberaceae have been reported to exhibit nematicidal activity. Their major constituents include linalool, thymol, carvacrol, diallyl disulfide, cinnamaldehyde, γ-terpinene, cumin aldehydes, eucalyptol, and spathulenol. EOs suppress nematode populations through mechanisms including inhibition of egg development, increased larval mortality, and reduction in root gall formation. However, field efficacy can be limited by chemical composition variability, volatility, and phytotoxicity. Advanced formulation techniques, such as micro and nano-encapsulation, can improve EO stability, controlled release, and consistent efficacy. Future research should focus on clarifying synergistic and antagonistic interactions among EO constituents, optimizing field applications, and integrating EO-based products with other sustainable strategies. In addition, studies should prioritize standardizing extraction methods, conducting chemical profiling, and verifying their efficacy and safety through repeated field trials in various agricultural systems. In conclusion, plant-derived EOs represent promise as a sustainable method of managing nematodes and contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: plant-parasitic nematodes; essential oils; nematicidal activity; formulation; sustainable agriculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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