What are nematicides used for?

Nematicides are specifically designed to target and control nematodes, which are tiny, often microscopic, worm-like organisms that can cause significant harm to plant roots. These pests inhabit the soil and can lead to various plant health issues, including reduced growth, stunted development, and even plant death as they feed on root tissues. The use of nematicides helps protect crop yields by effectively reducing the nematode populations, thus allowing plants to thrive without the stress imposed by these pests.

The other options relate to different pest management practices: eliminating weeds involves herbicides, enhancing beneficial insects focuses on biological controls and insect conservation, and preventing fungal infections pertains to fungicides. Each of these options serves a distinct purpose in crop protection, but they do not address the specific challenge posed by nematodes, which is crucial for the health of many agricultural crops.