Volatile organic compounds produced by castor bean cake incorporated into the soil exhibit toxic activity against Meloidogyne incognita.

Background: This study showed, for the first time, the effect of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by castor bean cake added to soil on the plant-parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Identification of nematotoxic volatiles increases the chance of identifying molecules for use in commercial nematicides.

Results: VOCs produced after the incorporation of castor bean cake in the soil resulted in immobility (>97.