In this study, we investigated the chemotactic response of three species of slug-parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus, and Oscheius onirici) to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) roots. Four VOCs were tested: dimethyl sulfide (DMS), hexanal (H), 2-pentylfuran (2PF), and (E)-non-2-enal (N2E), as well as their synthetic mixtures. Experiments were conducted at two temperatures (18 °C and 22 °C) on agar plates, where nematode movement was monitored in response to individual compounds and their combinations. The results revealed significant differences among species, compounds, and temperature treatments. The strongest attraction was recorded for 2-pentylfuran (2PF) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS), particularly for O. myriophilus and P. papillosa, suggesting that these two compounds play an important role in nematode host-searching behavior. In contrast, the aldehydes hexanal (H) and (E)-non-2-enal (N2E) elicited weaker or even repellent responses, which may be related to their function as stress or decay signals in plants. Responses to VOC mixtures were more complex—some combinations (e.g., DMS × 2PF) enhanced attraction, while others reduced chemotactic activity, indicating possible antagonistic or masking effects between compounds. Temperature significantly affected chemotactic behavior. The higher temperature (22 °C) increased overall movement and responsiveness of nematodes to individual VOCs, highlighting the role of environmental conditions in shaping nematode activity. O. myriophilus exhibited the highest activity across all treatments, showing the greatest attraction to the tested compounds. Overall, the results confirm that the responses of slug-parasitic nematodes are species-specific, temperature-dependent, and influenced by the composition of volatile signals released by plants. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the chemical ecology of slug-parasitic nematodes and provide a foundation for developing biocontrol strategies tailored to specific nematode species and environmental conditions.
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