SUMMARY
The ready to use formulation of oxamyl Vydate® 24 L is one of the last three nematicides currently used in Martinique. This formulation causes two major safety problems: an unfavorable toxicological profile (very toxic) and a highly flammable formulation, therefore hazardous to store. A new formulation diluted and without flammable solvent, was developed. This paper presents the results of two trials for the assessment of effectiveness of both oxamyl formulations against main nematodes attacking banana plants in Martinique, especially Radopholus similis and the banana black weevil Cosmopolites sordidus. Two tests were carried out to compare the new formulation with the usual formulation, a reference program (rotation of several nematicides: cadusafos, aldicarb, fosthiazate and fenamifos) and an untreated control. Both formulations provided R. similis and Helicotylenchus multicinctus temporary controls similar to the reference nematicide program and limited yield losses. On the other hand, their efficiency against Cosmopolites sordidus appeared insufficient.