Plant Disease and Nematode Diagnostic Services

Free nematode testing for Mississippi sweetpotato producers

Effective Dates: December 31, 2024 through April 30, 2025

Requirements:

1. 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
2. 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

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.