Parasitic nematodes are key organisms in soil ecosystems, as they regulate pest populations and contribute to sustainable agriculture. In this study, we examined the chemotactic reponse od three parasitic nematodes Phasmarhabditis papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus and Oscheius onirici to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by Brassicaceae roots under the influence of Delia radicum larvae infestation. We investigated five VOCs (dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, allyl isothiocyanate, phenethyl isothiocyanate and benzonitrule) at two concentrations (pure substance and 0,03 ppm) and two temperatures (18°C and 22°C). The results showed that VOCs and temperature significantly affected nematode responsiveness, whereas nematode species and VOC concentration had a lesser impac. Benzonitrile proved to be a strong attractant, particularly for O. myriophilus and O. onirici. In contrast, allyl isothiocyanate acted as a repellent with strong nematicidal effects, causing mortality and reduced motility in nematodes. Dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide elicited moderate to strong chemotactic responses, which varied depending on nematode spices and temperature. The significance of this study lies in the finding that benzonitrile could be used to attract beneficial nematodes for biological pest control, while allyl isothiocyanate shows the importance of integrating chemical signaling in pest control strategies to reduce the use od chemical pesticides, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture.
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