Free nematode testing for Mississippi sweetpotato producers
Effective Dates: March, 2023 through December 31, 2024
Requirements:
- A regular nematode sample submission form (F448) MUST be completed and accompany all soil samples submitted for nematode analysis. This form is available at https://extension.msstate.edu/lab
- Soil MUST be from Mississippi sweetpotato fields
Instructions:
- Use nematode bags from your county Extension office, or quart-size sealed plastic bags.
- Fill bags with approximately 1 pint of soil
- Label each bag for your reference and write each label down in the Sample Name column on the nematode sample submission form.
- Keep samples cool (do not freeze). Do not expose soil samples to high temperatures or direct sunlight. Do not let samples dry out (make sure bags are sealed tightly)/ DO NOT ADD WATER.
- Mail samples to:
- Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab
405 Garrard Rd. East
Mail Stop 9612
Starkville, MS 39759
- Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab
OR, samples may be brought directly to the lab: Bost Extension Center, Room 10
Service Provided
The diagnostic lab will process soil samples in our usual manner and provide our usual report detailing the type and quantity of all plant parasitic nematodes found in the soil. Identification will only be to genus level (i.e. renifom (Rotylenchulus sp.) or root-knot (Meloidogyne sp.)).
Dr. Lorin Harvey is covering the cost of this service with an HR133 specialty crop block grant from the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
Publications
News
Did you know the Mississippi State University Extension Service has a laboratory that is designated to diagnose plant diseases and nematodes? Yes, it does! Learn how the Mississippi State University Extension Service Plant Diagnostic Laboratory and its scientists protect the crops that provide our food and fiber along with other home and garden crops.
Sweet potato growers in Mississippi can get free nematode testing of soil samples they send to Mississippi State University from now until Dec. 31, 2024. The samples can be submitted in nematode bags available at local county MSU Extension Service offices; samples are also accepted in quart-sized, sealed plastic bags.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering another year of free testing for often overlooked nematode pests that frequently cause poor crop performance.
Success Stories
David Fulgham did not hesitate to show his support for the Mississippi State University Extension Service Plant Pathology Diagnostic Lab when his chance came.
