Nematicidal activity of essential oils: a review

Plant parasitic nematodes are the most destructive group of plant pathogens worldwide and their control is extremely challenging. Plant Essential oils (EOs) and their constituents have a great potential in nematode control since they can be developed for use as nematicides themselves or can serve as model compounds for the development of derivatives with enhanced activity. This study reviews the plant EOs evaluated as potential nematicides and their toxic effects against pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). Additionally, the nematicidal activity to M. javanica of several EOs from Spanish aromatic plants and their components is described.