The efficacy of furfural (2-furfuraldehyde) as a nematicide was studie
d in greenhouse and microplot experiments. Mixing furfural with soil a
t rates of 0.1-1.0 ml/kg prior to transferring soil to greenhouse pots
suppressed initial populations of Meloidogyne arenaria and Pratylench
us brachyurus. The number of root galls induced by Meloidogyne arenari
a in 'Summer Crookneck' squash (Cucurbita pepo) after 8 weeks was redu
ced proportionately to the rate of furfural applied to the soil before
planting. Similar results were obtained for M. incognita, Heterodera
glycines, and other species when soybean (Glycine max) was used as a h
ost. Furfural also was effective as a nematicide when its vapor was al
lowed to diffuse through a soil column. In microplots, preplant inject
ion of furfural was simulated by pouring it into a 25-cm-deep trench t
hat was immediately covered with soil. When furfural was applied to mi
croplots at rates of 53-159 ml/m2 soil, initial populations of M. aren
aria and P. minor were reduced and yields of 'Clemson Spineless' okra
(Hibiscus esculentum) were increased. No further yield increases were
obtained at higher rates. Results indicate that furfural could have pr
actical applications in the control of phytoparasitic nematodes.