TIME TO SAMPLE AND DIAGNOSE NEMATODE POPULATIONS IN POTATO FIELDS

Proper sampling of soil and diagnoses of nematode populations is essential to effectively managing nematode issues. Commonly, soil sampling takes place in early Fall after harvest, but sampling can take place in Spring or during the growing season if needed. Soil samples should be taken when the field is bare and implementing a zig zag soil sampling pattern is recommended to ensure representative coverage. Sampling during the growing season should follow a similar pattern. Best practice is to collect a soil sample by probing 6-12 inches deep from the root zone. Submitting a live plant can also be helpful for a diagnostician to provide a diagnosis.

Growers are typically aware if they are having a problem in their field but need confirmation to determine solutions. To determine the type of nematode present in a field, diagnosticians use a compound microscope to determine the type, or genus, of nematodes in a sample. Knowing the type of nematodes can help growers selling into certain markets with quarantine restrictions. Different laboratory procedures can be implemented to determine species. One popular method is utilizing species specific primers in a PCR to determine the specific species a grower has in their field.

Washington State University has a diagnostic laboratory located in Pullman Washington. More information can be found here.

Additional clinics can be found here.

Looking for more nematode information, please visit www.potatonematodes.com.