NEMATOLOGY 100
Laboratory Exercise 4
Rev. 01/01/2020

Purpose:  Quantitative population assessment; effects of plant residues and defense compounds on nematode survival; nematode morphology and anatomy.

1.   Powerpoint presentation and slides of nematode damage to plants.

2.  Experiment:  Effect of substances of plant origin on nematode survival and activity.  The following materials are some examples:

some of the compounds, for example the isothiocyanates, are unstable, some with a half-life of only a few hours.

3.  Note differences in the nematode communities extracted from soil samples in the last lab period and in other samples provided.. 

4.  Practice basic skills:  hand-picking nematodes, heat-killing with flame or slide-warmer device, and making temporary mounts.  You need to be able to see internal structures clearly.

5.  Use the  keys provided in Nemaplex to identify the nematodes to the level of family (in Nemapex Select Biology and Taxonomy then Nematode Characteristics and Taxonomic Keys then Families of Plant and Soil Nematodes.

6.  Complete observations on stoma and esophagus structures of nematodes with different feeding habits:
      plant parasites, bacteria feeders, fungus feeders, predators.

7.  Complete observations of reproductive systems.

8.  Extract nematodes from your own samples as assigned

9.  Homework Assignment:

     Review areas of NEMAPLEX dealing with nematodes as plant parasites and nematode damage to plants.

     Main Menu:

      Select...General Nematology
       Select...Introduction to Nematodes
                 Select...Nematodes as Plant Parasites
                            Select...General Concepts of Disease
                                     How Nematodes Damage Plants
                                     Taxa Containing Plant Parasites

                            Back to previous menu

                 Select...Characteristics of Nematodes
                            Select...Reproductive Strategies of Nematodes

    Main Menu:

      Select...In the News - review current and recent news issues regarding nematodes.  Note issues regarding pesticides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Return to Nematology 100 Menu