Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Specialist – Plant Pathology; nkleczew@udel.edu
The University of Delaware understands the importance of assaying soil samples for the presence of numerous plant-parasitic nematodes. While some nematode problems can be diagnosed in the field, laboratory assay of soil and roots is typically necessary to confirm field observations and is critical in determining crop rotations. Reading nematode samples requires highly specialized expertise, is time-consuming, and can be costly. The University of Delaware is proud to be able to continue to provide this important and unique service to the mid-Atlantic region. Please know that in order to continue the service, the University of Delaware will need to impose minimal fees to off-set increased costs as of September 1, 2014. These fees will allow us to cover escalating costs associated with labor and supplies. To contain further costs, the assay service is currently only accepting commercial vegetable and field crop samples.
The Virginia Tech Nematode Assay laboratory has agreed to accept Delaware and Maryland Fruit and Ornamental nematode samples at the following address:
Nematode Assay Laboratory
115 Price Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0331 Phone: (540)231-4650
Fax: (540)231-7477
Email: jon@vt.edu
Web site:https://www.ppws.vt.edu/extension/nematode-laboratory/index.html (for sample submission fees, instructions, and forms)
The 2014-2016 UD Vegetable and Field Crop Nematode Assay Service price structure is as follows:
| Assay | Price as of September 1, 2014 |
| Vegetable and Agronomic crops Juvenile assay | $50 per sample |
| Soybean cyst nematode egg assay | $30 per sample |
| 3 day rush analysis | Additional $20 per sample |
A 10-14 day turnaround time will be required for most samples. A 3-day-rush analysis can be conducted for an additional $20 per sample.
For more information and sample submission sheets please visit the following site: http://extension.udel.edu/ag/plant-diseases/nematology/