Now is the Time to Sample for Corn Nematodes

August 1, 2008
ICM News

By Greg Tylka, Department of Plant Pathology
Interest in plant-parasitic nematodes as pests of corn in Iowa, and much of the Midwest, has increased dramatically in the past few years. Damage from these microscopic worms, which feed from within the roots and on the outside of roots, can cause overall stunting of the plant and yellowing of foliage. Ears may be stunted and poorly filled due to damage by this pest. Feeding by some nematode species also causes swelling of corn roots. None of these symptoms are unique and useful in identifying fields in which such damage is occurring. 

To determine if nematodes are responsible for damage being observed to corn, a root and soil sample must be collected mid season to determine the nematode species present and their population densities (numbers). Sampling mid season, when numbers are greatest, is necessary because corn nematode population densities increase through the growing season and the different nematode species vary in the number needed to cause damage.

NOW is prime time to be checking corn fields for the presence of corn nematodes.

To test for corn nematodes, collect 20 or more 12-inch-deep soil cores from plants showing symptoms that might be due to corn nematode feeding damage. Also collect two or three root balls from plants that are showing symptoms.

Collect soil cores from root zone of corn.

Collect 12-inch-deep soil cores.

Collect 2 or 3 root systems in addition to soil cores.

Mix the soil cores well, then place soil and roots in a moisture-proof bag and submit for processing as soon as possible.  In the hot summer months, avoid shipping the samples near the end of the work week which can leave samples exposed to high heat in uncooled delivery trucks over the weekend. Such heat will damage the nematodes within the sample and can affect the sample results.

Samples for corn nematode diagnosis, a complete nematode count, can be sent to:

ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic
327 Bessey Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

Samples sent to ISU should be accompanied by a completed Plant Nematode Sample Submission Form  and a check for the $30 per sample processing fee.  For more information about corn nematodes, read the ISU Extension publication titled “Nematodes That Attack Corn in Iowa.”

 

Greg Tylka is a professor of plant pathology with extension and research responsibilities in management of plant-parasitic nematodes.

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on August 1, 2008. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.

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Greg Tylka Morrill Professor

Dr. Greg Tylka is a Morrill Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Iowa State University with extension and research responsibilities for management of plant-parasitic nematodes. The focus of Dr. Tylka's research program at Iowa State University is primarily the soybea...