TOXICITY OF BETA-KETOESTERS AND BETA-DICARBONYL COMPOUNDS TO JUVENILES OF THE SEED-GALL NEMATODE ANGUINA-TRITICI

Survival of juveniles of the seed-gall nematode, Anguina tritici, was used to assess the nematicidal efficacy of various substituted beta-ke toesters and beta-dicarbonyl compounds. In general, beta-dicarbonyl co mpounds were more active than beta-ketoesters. The activity of the est ers and ketones was increased by introducing chloro, bromo, acetoxy or aryl groups at alpha- and beta-positions. Some of the compounds have comparable activity to that of the commercial nematicide, aldicarb.