In the News - October 2009
It's Nematode Test Time
PINE BLUFF, Ark. - Early autumn when populations are at their highest is the
best time to sample for nematodes, says Dr. Henry English, director of the Small
Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). Nematodes are
microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and significantly reduce yields on
both row and vegetable crops.
"These parasites can be controlled by selecting tolerant or resistant varieties,
crop rotation or with chemicals," says Dr. English. Producers should test their
soils now to determine if they need to select a resistant variety or use another
control method for their next crop.
To sample, use a soil probe and get within 3 to 4 inches of the plant. Angle
the probe under the root system and go down 8 to 10 inches. You want to go
through part of the fibrous root system but avoid the tap root. Collect a
minimum of 20 cores randomly with the probe or another sampling device from the
area to be tested. Mix the cores together and submit 1 pint for analysis. A
single sample should not represent more than 20 acres.
Place the sample in a plastic bag immediately after you collect them. Regular
freezer bags are best. Keep the samples out of the sun. Exposing the soil sample
to excessive heat will kill the nematodes. Instead, putting the soil sample in a
cooler without ice is the best way to protect the nematodes until shipping.
Each sample must be accompanied by a completed Nematode Sampling Submission
Form, which can be obtained from your local county Extension office. If sending
more than one sample per box, place the completed submission forms together on
top of the soil samples. Do not stagger them throughout the box.
The Cooperative Extension Service provides a nematode testing service for a
nominal fee, beginning at $10 for an assay for an all plant-parasitic nematodes,
through the Arkansas Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory in Hope. Take your sample to
your county Extension office, and office personnel will mail your sample to the
Nematode Diagnostic Laboratory for you.
October 2, 2009
By Carol Sanders
Writer/editor
UAPB School of Agriculture
Fisheries and Human Sciences
(870) 575-7238
sanders_c@uapb.edu
Request an Interview
|
