Although synthetic or chemical nematicides continue to witness a positive trajectory in demand, an emerging preference for biological nematicides has been observed in recent years, primarily due to the rapid adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and sustainable agricultural practices, globally.  Empirical observations have revealed that bio-nematicides act synergistically with other agricultural inputs as an important component under environmentally friendly IPM programs. For instance, according to a study published in the Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, T. viride and P. fluorescens, when integrated with neem cake, yielded effective results in controlling Meloidogyne incognita (Raveendra et al. 2011, Seenivasan 2007).  As per an article published in the Journal of the International Organization for Biological Control, in 2017, there have been numerous developments in the commercialization of bio-nematicides in the United States, in the past few years. Extensive research has been conducted in developing Pasteuria spp. and Purpureocillium lilacinus as potential nematicides. Under the scheme, “Strengthening & Modernization of Pest Management Approach (SMPMA)”, the overall use of bio-pesticides including bio-nematicides in India, increased from 123.0 metric ton during 1994-1995 to 7,682.0 metric ton during 2018-2019.

<Integrated Pest Management has been a compulsory regulation in the European Union since 2014, as part of its strategy towards achieving sustainability in agriculture and reduction of pesticide risks. Additionally, the area under organic farmland in Europe rose drastically from 13,535.2 thousand hectares in 2016 to 15,635.5 thousand hectares in 2018. Multiple nematodes (roundworms), such as root-knot, cyst, sting, and lance, prevalent on a wide range of crops grown organically in the region, are further expected to push the demand for bio-nematicides in the coming years.

The US nematicide market was valued at USD 219.6 million in 2019 registering a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Owing to the presence of various nematode species attacking a wide range of economically important crops, as well as awareness of farmers regarding the application of chemical nematicides, the country has garnered the highest share in the North American market. In 2018, by chemical type, the fumigants segment dominated the market. Soil fumigation is the most widely accepted practice for crop treatment against nematodes. In the country, Meloidogyne, Heterodera, Tylenchulus, Rotylenchulus, and Protylenchulus are the common agricultural pest nematodes. Due to their high volatility, chemical fumigants are used in enclosed spaces, like greenhouses, warehouses, etc. Most of the soil fumigants are formulated in the gas form. Though soil fumigation is one of the most adopted methods in the country to control nematodes, they are not effective in the long run. These gaseous nematodes escape simultaneously into the atmosphere as they are applied in the soil. However, this can be prevented to some extent by locking the soil surface using some tillage or plowing equipment.

In terms of crops, vegetables, corn, and cotton are majorly affected by nematodes in the country. The most common nematode species affecting cotton in the United States are species southern root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita), reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis), Columbia lance (Hoplolaimus columbus), and sting (Belonolaimus longicaudatus). The increase in the number of nematicide products based on the aforementioned nematodes is estimated to drive the market.

Farmers in the country are opting for bio-based nematicides, primarily due to increased pressure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce the usage of chemical nematicides. The adverse impact of chemical nematicides on the environment has led to the restricted use of chemical nematicide products. This factor is expected to restrict the market’s growth in the future.