accepting SOIL, ROOTS, TUBER, and WATER samples

Why testing for nematodes?

Intro: Nematodes are important economic pests of all types of crops. These pests are particularly problematic in commercial farms. Nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented roundworms that live in the soil and roots system. All parasitic nematodes have a needle-like mouthpart (stylet) used to puncture the plant cell, inject digestive juices, and ingest plant fluids.

Disease complex: In addition to direct damage, nematodes may also enhance crop damage by fungal pathogens. Nematode feeding may aid fungal infection and development and increase the level of damage that is caused. Soil fungal pathogens known to form disease complexes includes but not limited to Verticillium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Pythium species.

Virus Transmission: Some nematodes transmit viruses while feeding on roots, the consequence of viral diseases evaluates much higher than their direct yield loss. Some of viral diseases known to transmit by nematodes are Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV), Cherry Raspleaf Virus (CRLV), Tobacco Ringspot Virus (TRSV), Tomato Ringspot Virus (ToRSV), and Grape fanleaf Virus (GFLV). Therefore, nematode testing for presence/absence of viruses can help prevent spread of viral diseases [AGNEMA has improved assays and made them available for commercial purposes].

Diagnosis: Nematode problems are often misdiagnosed as being the result of poor cultural practices, diseases, insect damage, soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies, poor drainage, drought or other environmental stresses. To accurately diagnose a nematode problem, a soil sample must be collected from the affected area and be assayed by a Nematology laboratory where trained professionals can determine if there are parasitic nematodes present at levels that could cause the observed damages.

Economic impact: In the pacific northwest of the united states, plant-parasitic nematodes like Columbia and Northern Root-knots, Stubby Root, Root Lesion, and Dagger nematodes, can make considerable negative impacts on quality and quantity of economically important crops including Potatoes, Onions, Alfalfa, Mint… also, Grapes and tree fruits like Apples, Cherries, Blueberries…

Nematode testing: The nematode assay lab in AGNEMA™ focuses on the identification of the frugally vital plant-parasitic nematodes in soil, water, and plant material samples. Through nematode assay, plant-pathogenic nematodes are identified and counted. Moreover, a nematode species that is the smallest group of populations can be characterized by a unique set of morphological or DNA genetic traits. 

Please check guidelines for collecting samples.

Whether you are planning to prepare a field or manage an established orchard, keep monitoring nematode population is a key to make informed decision and success.