Nematode Testing

Meloidogyne chitwoodi juvenile tail

Plant parasitic nematodes are non-segmented, microscopic, worm-like animals. Some nematodes can cause economic damage to plants.

Damage to plants is mostly done through feeding on plant sap with the aid of a needle-like body structure known as a stylet. This damage is either direct through reduction in yield and market value, or indirectly by aiding transmission of diseases caused by other pathogens, such as viruses.

Agriculture is a major driver of the economy in Washington state, and the industry relies heavily on exports to other states and international markets. Trading agricultural and forest products free of nematodes and other plant pests and diseases is a priority for Washington farmers and agricultural industries.

Xiphinema rivesi mature female

No. Samples must be collected and submitted by either a state or federal official.

Because we provide testing results to support state or federal phytosanitary certification, we can only process samples collected and submitted by either a state or federal official.  After an official collects your sample, the official will submit the sample for testing through the WSDA online certification system, PISCES.

Heterodera cyst

1.   Contact the state or federal official for your location or area.

• Within Washington state:  Contact Us to find the closest WSDA inspector for your area.
• Out-of-state:  Contact your state's department of agriculture or USDA.

 

2.   Request a PISCES access account.

• For assistance, contact the Plant Services Program at PlantServices@agr.wa.gov or (360) 902-1922 or (360) 902-1874.

 

Meloidogyne naasi juvenile head

Type of sample needed for testing depends on the target nematodes, as well as the export requirement of the county, state, or country receiving the agricultural product.

 

• Soil samples:  Soil samples are required along with plant parts if sedentary nematodes such as cyst-forming nematodes are among the target pathogens.  The official will collect at least 20 soil cores randomly per acre, mix the soil samples, and submit 1-2 pounds of soil to the lab.  The top 6 to 12 inches of soil is targeted for sampling, as research has shown that is where nematode populations are most abundant.

 

• Plant samples:  If plant parts are to be sent for nematode testing, the official will sample randomly from all areas of the field.  Nematodes are known to occur in patches, thus samples must be representative of the entire field to increase the chances of detecting the target nematodes.  The lab also relies on cooperators within the U.S. and abroad for identification and/or confirmation of unusual findings.

Meloidogyne naasi juvenile tail

Samples collected from the field should be kept cool and dry while awaiting delivery to lab and completion of the Nematode Testing Request form in PISCES.

Officials should store samples collected from the field in a cool and dry area as the sample awaits transportation to the lab.  Once the official completes the Nematode Testing Request form (AGR-6043) in PISCES, they should submit samples directly to the laboratory address below or they can be sent via overnight delivery service.  Again, only regulatory officials may send samples to this lab.

If regulatory officials do not yet have access to PISCES for submitting samples, they should contact the Plant Services Program for assistance at PlantServices@agr.wa.gov or (360) 902-1922.

Nematode testing fees

 

Soil:	$65 each sample
Plant parts:	$48 each sample