Slug-parasitic nematodes (SPN) represent an effective means of controlling harmful slugs in agriculture. The use of beneficial organisms, such as SPN, is part of biological plant protection, which is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. These nematodes use volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by plants to locate their hosts; however, their responses to individual VOCs are still poorly understood. We hypothesized that the chemotactic response of SPN to VOCs is influenced by various factors, including nematode species, type and concentration of VOCs, temperature, and interactions among these variables. In our study, we investigated three SPN species: Phasmarhabditis papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus, and Oscheius onirici. The aim of the research was to examine the chemotactic responses of these species to VOCs emitted by damaged and undamaged potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.). To this end, we included six VOCs characteristic of damaged tubers: [1] octanal, [2] decanal, [3] undecane, [4] nonanal, [5] 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and [6] 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, as well as one VOC characteristic of undamaged tubers: [7] 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. The results showed that octanal was the most effective attractant, particularly for O. myriophilus, while the other compounds exhibited variable effects. Nematode attraction was more pronounced at lower temperatures (18 °C) and higher VOC concentrations (pure compound), suggesting that the chemotactic response of SPN is also influenced by environmental conditions. These findings highlight the potential of octanal and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one to enhance slug control through the use of nematodes. However, soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity may affect VOC efficacy, indicating the need for further research to optimize field application and to integrate these strategies into sustainable plant protection.
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