Natural nematicidal active compounds: Recent research progress and outlook

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause substantial economic losses to global agriculture yearly. The use of nematicides is an effective way of controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. However, the long-term use of traditional organophosphorus and carbamate chemical nematicides can lead to increased nematode resistance. With the increasing awareness of the necessity for the protection of the environment and human health, highly toxic nematicides no longer meet the developmental requirements of modern agriculture. Recently, many studies have been undertaken on the isolation and nematicidal activity of natural products against plant-parasitic nematodes and Caenorhabditis elegans. As an important model nematode, C. elegans plays a vital reference role in studying plant-parasitic nematodes regarding nematicidal activity, metabolic mechanism, and modes of action and target. We reviewed the latest research progress of natural nematicidal active compounds against plant-parasitic nematodes and C. elegans over the past ten years, discussed the structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action, and examined the development and application of natural nematicidal active compounds.