Global Nematicides Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Nematicides Market, Segmentation by Type

The Nematicides Market, has been Segmented by Type into Fumigants, Organophosphate, Carbamate, and Bio-based.

Fumigants
Fumigants dominate the nematicides market, accounting for around 42% of global demand. These volatile, soil-injected chemicals are highly effective in sterilizing soil and eradicating nematodes before crop establishment. Their widespread use in commercial agriculture, especially in horticulture and root vegetables, supports their continued dominance despite regulatory scrutiny.

Organophosphate
Organophosphate nematicides comprise roughly 28% of the market. These systemic agents disrupt the nervous systems of nematodes, offering effective control for a wide spectrum of crops. While potent, their usage is declining in some regions due to increasing awareness of environmental and human health risks.

Carbamate
Carbamate nematicides contribute about 18% to the market and are valued for their contact activity and fast-acting formulation. Commonly used in vegetable, fruit, and ornamental crops, they play an important role in rotation programs to manage nematode resistance and improve efficacy.

Bio-based
Bio-based nematicides, holding nearly 12% of the market, are rapidly gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly profile. Derived from botanical extracts, beneficial microbes, and natural enzymes, they offer residue-free protection and align with global trends toward sustainable farming practices.

Nematicides Market, Segmentation by Crop Type

The Nematicides Market, has been Segmented by Crop Type into Vegetables, Field Crops, Fruits, and Others.

Vegetables
Vegetables dominate the nematicides market with a share of nearly 45%. Due to their sensitivity to nematode attacks, crops such as tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and onions rely heavily on effective nematode control strategies. Both chemical and biological nematicides are widely used in high-value vegetable production to prevent root damage and maximize yield.

Field Crops
Field crops make up about 30% of global nematicide usage. Key crops like soybean, corn, and cotton suffer significant yield losses due to root-knot, lesion, and cyst nematodes. Growers use nematicides as part of integrated crop protection strategies to improve productivity across large-scale farms.

Fruits
Fruits hold close to 15% of the market share. Crops such as bananas, grapes, and citrus fruits are vulnerable to nematode-induced root damage that affects plant vigor and market quality. Preventive application of nematicides ensures healthier trees and higher export-grade produce.

Others
The “Others” category accounts for around 10%, covering crops like ornamentals, turfgrass, and pulses. Though historically under-served, this segment is growing with increasing focus on aesthetic landscaping, nursery productivity, and alternative crop diversification.

Nematicides Market, Segmentation by Formulation

The Nematicides Market, has been Segmented by Formulation into Liquid, Granular or Emulsifiable Liquid, and Others.

Liquid
Liquid nematicides lead the market with a share of nearly 48%, thanks to their ease of handling, quick action, and high solubility. These formulations are widely adopted in both conventional and drip irrigation systems, offering effective root-zone delivery and uniform coverage for crops like vegetables, corn, and fruits.

Granular or Emulsifiable Liquid
Granular and emulsifiable liquid nematicides together account for about 38% of the market. Known for their controlled release, soil adherence, and precision application, these formulations are widely used in row crops and areas where spot treatment is preferred over blanket spraying.

Others
The “Others” segment holds around 14%, encompassing powder, gel, and pellet-based formulations. Although niche, these are gaining relevance in customized soil health programs and in protected farming environments that demand targeted nematode control with minimal environmental disruption.

Nematicides Market, Segmentation by Application Mode

The Nematicides Market, has been Segmented by Application Mode into Chemigation, Foliar, Fumigation, Seed Treatment, and Soil Treatment.

Chemigation
Chemigation leads the nematicides market with an estimated 35% share. By delivering nematicides through drip or sprinkler irrigation systems, this method ensures uniform application, minimizes chemical waste, and supports large-scale farming efficiency. It’s particularly popular in intensive vegetable and fruit cultivation.

Foliar
Foliar application accounts for about 12% of usage and is typically used as a complementary control method. Though not the primary application route for nematicides, it plays a role in integrated pest management by addressing above-ground pests and enhancing plant health.

Fumigation
Fumigation represents nearly 25% of the market, offering deep soil penetration and comprehensive nematode control. It is widely used in pre-planting treatments, especially for crops like potatoes, carrots, and grapes, where soil-borne pests significantly impact yield and quality.

Seed Treatment
Seed treatment holds close to 15% of the market and provides preventive protection at the earliest growth stage. By coating seeds with nematicides, this approach helps improve germination, root development, and initial resistance to nematode attacks.

Soil Treatment
Soil treatment contributes approximately 13% of the market and involves applying nematicides directly to the root zone either before or after sowing. It is often part of a multi-stage crop protection plan and helps minimize population buildup during the crop cycle.

Drivers:

• Growing Demand for Food Security
• Expansion of Commercial Agriculture
• Regulatory Support for Nematicide Use

• Rising Investment in R&D Activities to Support Market Growth:- The growing focus of key players on developing innovative and new crop protection solutions has influenced them to invest in research and development, positively impacting the market growth. For instance, in May 2020, Syngenta introduced the TYMIRIUM technology platform brand. It is a revolutionary nematocides and fungicide technology developed for seed and soil applications. Syngenta's investment in innovation, such as TYMIRIUM technology, demonstrates its commitment to providing farmers with tools that help them sustainably increase production.
  
  Rising investment in research and development (R&D) activities is a key driver for the growth of the global nematicides market. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing innovative nematicide formulations and technologies to enhance efficacy, reduce environmental impact, and meet regulatory requirements. This investment in R&D is driving the development of next-generation nematicides, which are expected to offer improved performance and sustainability compared to traditional products.

Restraints:

• Regulatory Restrictions
• Health Risks
• Development of Resistance

• High Environmental Risk Associated with the Use of Chemical Pesticides is Restricting Market Growth:- Pesticides are regarded as one of the most important components of agricultural production. Farmers have used them for centuries to control insects and weeds that reduce overall yield. Pesticide use has increased globally as agricultural production increased, raising concerns about environmental damage and calls to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals. However, repeated use of such chemically synthesized pesticides can negatively affect the environment and human health, potentially impeding the nematicides market growth.
  
  The high environmental risk associated with the use of chemical pesticides, including nematicides, is a significant restraint on the market. Concerns over the negative impact of these chemicals on ecosystems, non-target organisms, and human health have led to stricter regulations and a shift towards more sustainable pest management practices. This has limited the use of chemical nematicides and created opportunities for environmentally friendly alternatives, thereby restricting market growth.

Opportunites:

• Development of Bio-Based Nematicides
• Advancements in Formulation Technologies
• Expansion of Precision Agriculture

• Increasing Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices:- The increasing adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices presents significant opportunities for the nematicides market. IPM emphasizes the use of multiple strategies, including biological control, cultural practices, and chemical treatments, to manage pest populations effectively while minimizing environmental impact. Nematicides that are compatible with IPM principles and offer targeted control of nematodes are likely to see increased demand as farmers seek more sustainable pest management solutions.
  
  The adoption of IPM practices is driving the development of novel nematicide formulations and technologies. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create nematicides that are effective, environmentally friendly, and compatible with IPM strategies. These innovative products have the potential to capture a larger market share as farmers increasingly prioritize sustainable agriculture practices.