Sampling Soil for M.e.
Soil Sampling Protocol
Routine nematode assays will identify plant-parasitic nematodes to genus and will report the population density for each genus. The instructions given below are for field sampling for plant-parasitic nematodes. The principles involved are the same regardless of the crop and location. Some modifications may need to be made to accommodate such crops as potted plants, mixed plant species and perennial plants.
Most nematodes are in the “root zone” and samples should be taken to represent that area. Samples should be taken from both poor-growing and healthy plants. Root extractions for endoparasitic nematodes are available upon request. Please contact the Nematode Assay Laboratory for sampling guidelines.
Most Nematode Assay Laboratories recommend that samples be taken when the soil is moist but not wet and be made up of 10 to 20 small samples from an area of no more than 10 acres in size. The composite sample should be one quart. A good procedure is to use a 1-inch core sampler. If that is not available, use a shovel to cut through the soil profile and then take a 1- to 2-inch slice from the edge of the opening to simulate a core. Include feeder roots.
For field crops, sample 6 to 8 inches deep in the root zone in a zig-zag pattern over the field; for turfgrass, sample 3 to 5 inches deep in a zig-zag pattern. If there are dead or dying areas, take the sample from the interface of the good and poor spots; for trees, shrubs and vines, sample 12 to 15 inches deep in a zig-zag pattern under the canopy at the drip line.
Place the mixed sample in a plastic bag or a bag supplied by the Nematode Assay Laboratory and label with your name and field number. Label the outside of the bag with location information using a permanent marker.
Keep samples cool, below 80 °F if practical, and out of direct sunlight. Do not put samples in the back of trucks, trunks or non-insulated floorboards of trucks or cars. Take samples to the county Extension office or to the Nematode Assay Laboratory as soon as you can.
Fill out the submission form as completely as you can. Accurate information helps the diagnosticians do a better job for you. Any answers you may receive will be only as good as the sample that is processed. There is a fee for identifying and counting plant-parasitic nematodes.
For Species Determination
If your soil sample contains root knot nematodes, you may be interested in determining the species. Information on the species of root knot nematode present may be needed for selection of resistant varieties and some biological control methods. It is also important to know for interstate movement of plants. Not all Nematode Assay Laboratories provide species determination services.
Adult fresh specimens are preferred to determine species of root-knot nematodes. Submit live plants with three or more roots showing galls, keeping the soil around the roots.
Mature root-knot nematode females can be typically found from June through September in the Southeastern U.S.
Provide the name of the crop and the crop variety.
There is an additional fee for root-knot nematode identification to species.
If your sample comes back positive for Meloidogyne enterolobii and you wish to have additional management guidance, contact the FINDMe team or your local extension agent.