This proposal aims at discovering "downward systemic" nematicides that can be applied to the foliage at a lower dose to control foliar as well as soil nematodes, in contrast to the current practice of soil application of commercial nematicides at high doses. APPROACH: This proposal describes synthesis and nematicidal evaluation of novel systemic nematicides based on scientific reasoning. The Phase-I will be explored in collaboration with researchers at Rutgers University (Entomology Department) and at University of Florida (Nematology Department). NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic soil pests that attack all major annual and perennial crops throughout the world. The global crop loss due to these insidious pests is estimated to be 100 billion US Dollars per year. These pests can be controlled by fumigant or contact nematicides. Of the fumigants, ethylenedibromide (EDB) and dibromochloropropane (DBCP) have already been banned on toxicological grounds. According to the Montreal Protocol, methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting fumigant, will be phased out by 2005 in developed countries and by 2015 in developing countries. Most of the contact nematicides are organophosphates or carbamates that are under the scrutiny of the US Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). There is an urgent need new effective and safe nematicides. This proposal will explore novel systemic nematicides that will bridge the gap caused by the past as well as the planned withdrawal/restriction of fumigant and toxic contact nematicides. The anticipated "downward" systemic property developed through this research would reduce the application rate and extend the protection against nematodes to many perennial crops.
Keywords: plant-parasitic nematodes; fumigants; contact nematicides; downward systemicity; insecticides
