Nematode Pest Diagnostics

 

Mesocriconema xenoplax feeding on grape roots in tissue culture

Mesocriconema xenoplax feeding on grape roots in tissue culture

 Our lab performs identification and quantification of nematode pests for industry, cooperative extension, and farmers. Traditionally, this is done by extracting nematodes from soil, concentrating them, and identifying them under a microscope. We also have developed a real time PCR diagnostic tool to improve the speed and reliability of detecting nematode pests for lesion nematode (Pratylenchus vulnus), ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax)and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp).

Rates

Plant parasitic nematode analysis: $37.13 ($27.77 internal UC rate). Nematodes are separated from soil using the sieving/sugar centrifugation method, counted under the microscope and identified to genus.

Whole nematode community analysis: $95.48 ($71.42 internal UC rate). Nematodes are separated from soil by the sieving/Baermann funnel method, counted under the microscope and a subset of nematodes (including beneficial bacterial feeding, fungal feeding, omnivorous, predatory and plant parasitic groups) identified to genus for subsequent calculation of soil health indices.

Plant parasitic nematode quantification by real time PCR (qPCR): $12.19 ($9.12 internal UC rate). Nematodes are separated from soil, after which their DNA will be extracted and numbers determined using qPCR with species specific primers. This method is only available for ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax), lesion nematode (Pratylenchus vulnus) and root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). We can also determine species for other plant parastitic nematodes using other molecular methods (email for details).

Sample submission instructions

  1. Collect soil samples. Using a shovel, scrape away surface litter, and sample 12 - 18 inches deep close to the root zone. Visually divide the site into sampling blocks representing differences in soil texture, drainage patterns, and cropping history. For samples to be representative, blocks should not be more than 5 acres each. Within these blocks, collect at least 10 subsamples randomly from areas where nematode activity is likely the highest. Mix the subsamples gently but thoroughly and make a composite sample of about 1 quart (1 liter) for each block.

  2. Place samples in plastic bags and label them clearly. Keep samples cool (not frozen), e.g., in an ice chest, and out of the sun.

  3. Fill out a sample submission form.

  4. Ship samples using same day or overnight service with ice packs (not ice) enclosed. Slower shipping will increase the likelihood nematodes die in transit. Enclose a business card or other contact information in box with samples.

    Ship samples to:

    Dr. Amanda Hodson

    355 Hutchinson Hall

    Dept. Plant Pathology/Entomology

    One Shields Ave

    Davis, CA 95616-5270