Toward Chemical Ecology of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: Kairomones, Pheromones, and Other Behaviorally Active Chemical Compounds

An overview of natural chemical compounds involved in plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) behavior is presented and classified following a system accepted by chemoecologists. Kairomonal and other egg-hatching stimulants, as well as attractants for juveniles, are presented. Sex, aggregation, egg-hatching, and putative diapause PPN pheromones are analyzed and grouped into clusters of primers and releasers. The role of over 500 chemical compounds, both organic and inorganic, involved in PPN behavior is reviewed, with the most widely analyzed and least studied fields of PPN chemical ecology indicated. Knowledge on PPN chemical ecology facilitates environmentally friendly integrated pest management. This could be achieved by disrupting biointeractions between nematodes and their host plants and/or between nematodes. Data on biologically active chemicals reveals targets for resistant plant selection, including through application of gene silencing techniques.

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of natural chemical compounds involved in the behavior of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), including egg-hatching stimulants, attractants for juveniles, and pheromones related to sex, aggregation, egg-hatching, and diapause. The role of over 500 chemical compounds in PPN behavior is reviewed, with a focus on fields that have been widely analyzed but least studied. Understanding PPN chemical ecology can facilitate environmentally friendly integrated pest management.