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Symptoms of RKN infection on a cucurbit root. |
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Nematode Sampling Procedures
Proper management of root-knot and root-lesion nematodes begins
with timely sampling of fields. Sampling soil in the spring is not
reliable because few nematodes may be detected even in fields where
the risk of potential damage is high. This is probably because inadequate
degree-days have accumulated during the spring for nematode reproduction
to occur. Samples collected in late summer or early fall are much
more reliable. During the growing season, diagnostic samples may
be taken whenever symptoms are observed.
Recommended sampling procedures are to collect soil cores or soil
samples (if using a shovel) from a depth of 6-8 inches from at least
20 representative locations across the field. Soil core locations
should target areas where the crop appears stunted, chlorotic or
weak, and nematode damage is suspected. A field may be divided into
sections for sampling purposes if either known or observed differences
for nematode damage are present across the field. A minimum of one
pint of soil is required per sample area for analysis. Root samples
of both crop and weed plants that are present in the field should
be submitted with the soil sample. Samples can be submitted to County
Extension Educators or directly to either university or private
nematode diagnostic laboratories for analysis.
Laboratory analysis will provide the proper identification of the
plant-parasitic species and an estimate of the number of each nematode
species that are present.
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