Essential Oils as Sustainable Alternatives for Managing Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: A Comprehensive Review

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a serious threat to global agriculture by reducing both yield and quality in high-value crops. Although chemical nematicides provide rapid control, their application is increasingly restricted due to environmental pollution and toxicity to non-target organisms. These limitations have increased the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising nematicides due to their sustainable nature and bioactivity. EOs of plant families such as Lamiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Lauraceae, Apiaceae, and Zingiberaceae have been reported to exhibit nematicidal activity. Their major constituents include linalool, thymol, carvacrol, diallyl disulfide, cinnamaldehyde, γ-terpinene, cumin aldehydes, eucalyptol, and spathulenol. EOs suppress nematode populations through mechanisms including inhibition of egg development, increased larval mortality, and reduction in root gall formation. However, field efficacy can be limited by chemical composition variability, volatility, and phytotoxicity. Advanced formulation techniques, such as micro and nano-encapsulation, can improve EO stability, controlled release, and consistent efficacy. Future research should focus on clarifying synergistic and antagonistic interactions among EO constituents, optimizing field applications, and integrating EO-based products with other sustainable strategies. In addition, studies should prioritize standardizing extraction methods, conducting chemical profiling, and verifying their efficacy and safety through repeated field trials in various agricultural systems. In conclusion, plant-derived EOs represent promise as a sustainable method of managing nematodes and contribute to sustainable agriculture.