This protocol describes an in vitro method for evaluating the nematicidal activity of microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using Panagrellus redivivus as a model organism. The assay is based on the indirect exposure of nematodes to VOCs produced by actively growing microbial cultures inside sealed Petri dish chambers, without physical contact between microorganisms and nematodes. The method provides a simple, reproducible, and low-cost approach for the preliminary screening of microorganisms with potential applications in biological control, agricultural bioinputs, and studies of microbial volatile metabolites. The protocol can be adapted to different bacterial or fungal strains and culture media according to the physiological requirements of the microorganism under evaluation.
Sauka et al. (2026) studied this question.