Importance of nematodes in agricultural production

Plant-parasitic nematodes attack roots, tubers and in some cases even the aerial parts of various crops, causing damage either directly or indirectly, by reducing the productivity and quality of agricultural products, by limiting the use of infested areas, by requiring the use of control methods and by inducing the complementary use of nutrients, which cannot be absorbed by the plant due to the damage already caused to the roots.

Why is it necessary to know nematode infestation levels?

Because symptoms of nematode attack can be confused with other causes such as mineral starvation, soil compaction, excess or lack of moisture, it is essential to determine the occurrence levels of plant-parasitic nematodes before taking any corrective measures. Nematodes generally occur in all areas, but only genera such as Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Heterodera (in soybeans), Radopholus, Tylenchulus, and Rotylenchulus cause losses depending on the level of infestation in the area.

Structure of the nematological analysis laboratory

The DBPV/CCA Nematology Laboratory has the necessary equipment to determine nematode occurrence levels by processing soil and plant root samples and quantifying parasites known to be harmful to various crops, whether annual, semi-perennial, or perennial. Plants in the field or in nurseries can be analyzed, and LANEM is accredited by RENASEM (SP-16078/2016) and can issue phytosanitary reports on nematode analyses in coffee, citrus, and rubber tree seedlings.