Arkansas Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory
Plant-parasitic nematodes are an economically important pest that affect many row crops, horticultural crops, golf courses, and trees and shrubs in Arkansas. Nematodes are host-specific organisms and the strategies for management of the species will vary by crop. Chemical control options for nematodes are limited so often rotation to a non-host crop is the best solution. The Arkansas Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory offers bioassay and quantification services for the following crops:
- Cotton, Soybean, Corn, and other Row Crops (Root-knot, Soybean cyst, Reniform, Lesion, etc)
- Rice (White tip nematode pest-free certification for export)
- Cedar and Pine (Pinewood nematode pest-free certification for export)
- Turf (Lawns and golf courses)
- Horticultural crops and shrubs (Commercial crops and home garden and landscape, pest-free certification for nursery stock)
- Forage crops
- Custom assays are available (Call for info 870-899-4199)
- Out-of-state samples are accepted per APHIS regulations. Permit must be printed and included with samples. Click here to see our permit.
Photo 1 (Top left): Pine trees near Corning Arkansas with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Pinewood nematode)
Photo 2 (Top right): Golf course with nematode damage to putting green
Photo 3 (Bottom left): Rice plot with Aphelenchoides besseyi (White tip nematode)
Photo 4 (Bottom right): Margie Miller, Agriculture Lab Technician, operates the semi-automatic
elutriator for processing nematode samples
Services and Fees
A general soil assay allows for detection of all vermiform nematodes within a row crop, horticultural crop or turf grass sample.
Sampling Instructions:
(for row crops, annual ornamentals, hemp, and vegetables)
Use tube-type soil probe
Insert 6-8" deep in soil near root zone
Collect 10-20 cores in zig zag pattern
Mix and place 1 pint of soil in plastic bag, secure with wire tag, label with pencil
(for fruit and nut trees, shrubs, and trees)
Use tube-type probe
Collect several cores near root zones of affected plants
If drip lines are present, remove top inch of soil and collect samples that include
feeder roots
One sample should consist of 10 cores 8" deep or 20 cores from multiple plants mixed
together
Place one pint of sampled soil in plastic bag, secure with wire tag, label with pencil
(for turf grass: golf courses, athletic fields, lawns, forages)
Use tube-type probe
Insert 3-4" in declining (but not completely dead) turf area
Collect 10-20 cores
Mix thoroughly and place 1 pint of soil in plastic bag, secure with wire tag, label with pencil
Shipping Instructions:
Place samples in empty ice chest if collecting many and weather is hot
Do not store in hot areas for long periods
Fill out a submission form for each sample
Do not put forms in bags
Place no more than 10 samples per box
Print and place completed submission forms in box on top of samples
Ship to ANDL early in the week for best results
A soybean cyst nematode assay is done for detecting vermiform and eggs.
An additional race assay can be done for the purpose of identifying the race of the cyst nematode if population exceeds threshold. Allow 50 extra days for testing. If population does not exceed threshold, you will only be charged for general assay.
Sampling Instructions:Use tube-type soil probe
Insert 6-8" deep in soil near root zone
Collect 10-20 cores in zig zag pattern
Mix and place 1 pint of soil in plastic bag, secure with wire tag, label with pencil
Shipping Instructions:
Place samples in empty ice chest if collecting many and weather is hot
Do not store in hot areas for long periods
Fill out a submission form for each sample
Do not put forms in bags
Place no more than 10 samples per box
Print and place completed submission forms in box on top of samples
Ship to ANDL early in the week for best results
A nursery assay must be done for ornamentals crossing state lines and will detect all quarantined nematodes.
Sampling Instructions:
Both root and soil samples may be necessary
Contact the Arkansas State Plant Board for details
Shipping Instructions:
Place samples in a crush-proof container.
A garlic assay is to detect Ditylenchus in garlic cloves.
Submit 10 heads of healthy and 10 heads of suspect garlic as your sample. Place in crush proof container for shipping (box).
A rice white tip nematode assay is necessary for shipments of rice being exported to countries where this nematode is quarantined. Individuals wanting a rice white tip assay for non-exported rice may submit the grain samples to the ArNDL for a $25 fee.
Sampling Instructions:
Contact the Arkansas State Plant Board for proper sampling and handling instructions.
Shipping Instructions:
Overnight delivery is preferred.
A pinewood nematode assay is required for coniferous products being exported to countries where the nematode is quarantined.
Sampling Instructions:
Contact the Arkansas State Plant Board for proper sampling and handling instructions.
Shipping Instructions:
Ship to ANDL early in the week for best results.
Online Sample Submission Using The Distance Diagnostics Through Digital Imaging Service (DDDI)
Requests for nematode analysis are submitted electronically through the University of Arkansas Distance Diagnostics System (DDDI).
A username and password are required to access the system. If this is your first time to use the system, click on ‘Request An Account’ to obtain a username and password. Your username and password will be e-mailed to you. This is the same system used for the Plant Health Clinic, and you may use the same username and password if you already have one. Once you have logged in to the DDDI, click on Nematode Sampling Submission in the upper left-hand corner underneath Submit a Sample. After you have completed your submission, print a copy of the request and include in the box with your sample.
Traditional Sample Submission Through Your County Extension Agent
Your county agent can provide forms to be completed for each of your nematode samples. These forms are placed on top of bagged samples in the mailing box. Your county agent will be able to guide you through the process of submitting nematode samples through your county office or you may contact us at 870-899-4199, nemalab@uada.edu for more information.
Our Team
Need to consult with a nematology or plant pathology expert?
Contact Amanda Greer, Nematode Lab Supervisor - Plant Pathology at agreer@uada.edu.
Amanda Greer
Diagnostician/Instructor - Plant Pathology
Ph. (870) 777-9702 ext. 119
Email: agreer@uada.edu
Additional Resources
-
MP154 Arkansas Plant Disease Products Guide
The MP154 provides product options for control of plant diseases and nematodes.