Abstract: Biocontrol particles for treating plants infested with nematodes. The biocontrol particles are granules consisting of spores of bacterial nematicides which are contained in a biodegradable gel matrix formulated for controlled spore release. The bacterial spores are obtained by growing bacteria in nematode hosts which are in turn infesting plant roots. The roots are comminuted and used to prepare either dried or fresh inocula, which are then encapsulated into gel beads. Included in the method is a heat-treatment which kills the nematodes while maintaining the viability of the bacterial spores. To kill or inhibit the reproduction of nematodes, the biocontrol granules are deposited near plants or sowed with seeds, after which spores are released gradually through the biodegradation of the gel matrix of the granules.