ZDC’s novel nematicide - ″Nematode Hunter″

Nematode Hunter is a novel nematicide launched by Qingdao Zhongda Agritech Co., Ltd (ZDC). The product is a formulation composed of 2% Abamectin and 6% Fluopyram, registered for control of root-knot nematode in cucumber, and specially added with Durvillaea Potatorum extract which provides organic matter ≥ 180g/L and alginic acid ≥ 8g/L.

• Basic information about Nematode Hunter

Fluopyram is an SDHI fungicide and nematicide acting on the mitochondrial respiratory chain to inhibit the activity of succinate dehydrogenase (complex II), disrupting respiration and leading to energy deficiency in nematodes, further to death or growth inhibition. It has high bioactivity and strong systemic conductivity, effectively killing nematodes even after they have infected plant roots.

Abamectin is a macrolide compound with insecticidal, acaricidal and nematocidal activity, acting on the neurophysiological activity of nematodes. By stimulating the release of γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA), abamectin inhibits the nerve conduction of nematodes to cause paralysis, food refusal and death. Abamectin primarily kills nematodes in the crop rhizosphere and soil through contact toxicity. 

The 1:3 ratio of these two compounds in this formulation enhances product efficacy and delays resistance development commonly observed with single-agent. 

• Core advantages 

1. High Efficiency and Safety: Safe to use throughout the crop's growth period without harming roots or seedlings.

2. Long-lasting Effect: Kills both larvae and adult nematodes, affects egg hatching, functions systemically and has prolonged efficacy.

3. Low resistance: Features a novel mechanism of action and dual-component formulation that significantly delays resistance development.

4. Soil Conditioning and Root Nourishment: Improves soil conditions, enhances the penetration and migration of the product solution; has unique advantage on promoting root development.

• Target crops include but not limited to: 

Cucurbitaceae: Cucumber, luffa, hami melon, watermelon;

Solanaceae: Tomato, chili, tobacco and potato;

Root and tuber crops: Sweet potato, carrot, yam and ginger;

Fruit trees: Citrus, grape, banana, dragon fruit and kiwi;

Other crops: Rice, celery, herbal medicine and flowers.

• Field demonstration 

Location: Lijiazhuang, Luocheng, Shouguang City, Shandong Province

Grower: Li Guangming

Previous crop: Luffa (May - October 2024), 

Field condition: 1 mu (0.0667 hectares) plastic greenhouse. Pre-trial soil analysis in Oct. 2024 showing: ~10,000 nematodes per 500g soil, uniformly distributed. 

• Experimental Design 

Testing crop: Luffa, planted on Mar. 19, 2025

Three treatments were established: 

1. Untreated Control (UTC): No nematode management.

2. Nematode Hunter treatment: Irrigating at 12kg/hectare on Mar. 19 and Apr. 16 respectively.  

3. Conventional treatment: Irrigating with Fosthiazate(20%) at 7.5kg/hectare on Mar. 27 and Apr. 16 respectively.

• Sampling data and Observations 

Since transplanting on March 19th, four samples were taken to assess the root growth of luffa and nematode density in soil. 

1. First sampling: March 27 (8 days after transplanting)

 Luffa seedlings of three treatments were basically the same, no root-knot was observed. 

The nematode density in soil of three treatments showed significant difference. UTC and the Conventional treatment, which was not treated with Fosthiazate at transplanting due to safety concern, both showed high nematode density and high activity. In the Nematode Hunter treatment, very low nematode density and activity was observed. 

2. Second sampling: April 2 (2 weeks after transplanting)

Luffa seedlings which had grown to 3 leaves with one bud, of three treatments were basically the same, no root-knot was observed.

UTC showed a very high nematode density and activity; 

Conventional treatment, being applied with Fosthiazate on March 27^th, the nematode density was reduced, but the activity remained high; 

Nematode Hunter treatment, two weeks after first application, still showed very low nematode density and activity.

3. Third sampling: April 9 (3 weeks after transplanting)

The root system of luffa in three treatments showed significant difference. 

The root system of luffa in UTC had a large number of tiny root-knots, severely affected by nematodes; 

The luffa roots in Conventional treatment had small number of root-knots; 

Nematode Hunter treatment was not affected by nematodes, no root-knot was observed.

UTC showed very high nematode density and activity; 

Conventional treatment, 2 weeks after application of Fosthiazate, had lower nematode density comparing to the UTC, but nematode activity was still high; 

Nematode Hunter treatment, after 3 weeks of application, the nematode number and activity remained very low.

4. Forth sampling: April 16 (4 weeks after transplanting)

The root system of luffa in UTC was covered with a large number of root-knots, being further damaged by nematodes; 

 Conventional treatment also showed obvious root-knots; 

Nematode Hunter treatment was not affected by nematode, showing no sign of root-knot. 

UTC showed very high nematode density and activity; 

Conventional treatment, 3 weeks after application of Fosthiazate, the nematode density had increased to a certain extend and the activity became high; 

Nematode Hunter treatment, after 4 weeks of application, the nematode number slightly increased, but the activity remained very low.

• Observation of the Demonstration Field results

On April 29th, 40 days after transplanting, an observation meeting was held in the demonstration field. Under the witness of growers and retailers, some luffa plants from 3 treatments were dug out to be observed and ranked by root-knot.

* UTC - No nematicide treatment.

A large number of root-knots appeared in the luffa root system which was severely damaged. Some luffa had over 80% of the roots being affected by nematodes.

* Conventional treatment - 1^st application on Mar. 27, 2^nd application on Apr. 16, irrigating at 7.5kg/hectare.

The root system of luffa in Conventional treatment was damaged by nematodes. A large number of root-knots arose. The root system was not developed very well. 

*Nematode hunter treatment - 1^st application on Mar. 19, 2^nd application on Apr. 16, irrigating at 12kg/hectare. 

No root-knot appeared in the luffa root system. Nematode hunter provided effective protection to the roots.

5-6 luffa plants were dug out from each treatment, and ranked by the grades of root-knot. 

UTC: Grade 1 – 1 plant; Grade 3 – 1 plant; Grade 5 – 2 plants; Grade 7 – 1 plant. 

Conventional treatment: Grade 1 – 3 plants; Grade 3 – 1 plant; Grade 5 – 2 plants. 

Nematode hunter treatment: hardly any root-knot observed.

With 25 years of expertise in R&D, production, and distribution, ZDC is a leading agrochemical enterprise dedicated to innovative crop protection and nutrition solutions in China. Committed to promote highly efficient agriculture and food safety around the world, the company upholds stringent quality standards and delivers high-performance, eco-friendly innovative pesticide formulations and comprehensive nutrition solutions.  

For more information about ZDC: www.zdcagri.com