Method for producing a nematocidal composition by heat treating a pH-adjusted fermentation broth

A composition comprising

• a heat-treated, pH adjusted fermentation broth of a fungus or bacterium selected from the group consisting of Gibberella fujikuroi, Streptomyces erythraeus, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Fusarium moniliforme;
• wherein said broth is pH adjusted either to a pH of below about 2.5 with a biologically acceptable acid, or to a pH of above about 8 with a biologically acceptable alkali or base;
• and wherein said broth is heated to a temperature of at least about 100° C. for at least about 15 minutes, then cooled to ambient temperature.

A method for control of nematodes on plants which comprises the step of administering to the locus, soil or seed of plants in need of such treatment, a nematocidally effective amount of a composition formed by heating a pH adjusted fermentation broth from a fungus or bacterium;

• wherein said broth is adjusted to a pH of below about 2.5 with a biologically acceptable acid, or to a pH of above about 8 with a biologically acceptable alkali or base;
• and wherein said broth is heated to at least 100° C. for at least 15 minutes;
• with the proviso that said fungus is not Myrothecium verrucaria when the pH of said fermentation broth is adjusted to a pH of below about 2.5.