Nematode Testing Service

Dear valued client,

The Oregon State University Nematode Testing Service will be closing in June 30 2023. 

The OSU Extension Nematode Testing Service has operated for nearly 40 years under the direction of Dr. Russell Ingham and under the auspices of his nematode research program in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology.  When Dr. Ingham retired in December 2021, so too did BPP Nematology.  It is no longer feasible to operate the service outside of the research program and without the oversight of professorial direction. 

The association of the nematode diagnostic lab with the OSU nematology research program, which dates back to the tenure of post-WWII nematology pioneer Dr. Harold Jensen (1950-1984), enabled the testing lab to offer non-profit diagnostic service and management advice on a non-profit basis.  In turn, the experience of our testing service clientele contributed to our understanding of the impact of nematodes on Pacific northwest crops.  Thank you for sharing your nematodes and subterranean insights, it has been a pleasure to work with you.

I would also like to acknowledge former Nematode Testing Service nematologists Kathy Merrifield and Gene Newcomb whose expertise, wisdom, and wit indelibly shaped the service and many happy memories as well.  

The OSU Plant Clinic diagnostic facility and Insect ID Clinic continues to offer their comprehensive disease diagnoses and specialized identification services under the direction of Melodie Putnam.

Sincerely,

Nadine Wade

OSU Nematode Testing Service

2701 SW Campus Way

Corvallis, OR 97331               

nadine.wade@oregonstate.edu

NEW SAMPLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES!

The Nematode Testing Service is devoted to our clients and will remain open until further notice. For the safety of all involved, we request that packages be sent via mail or express delivery, if at all possible.

If samples must be delivered in person, please drop them off to the OSU Botany main office in 2503 Cordley Hall Monday – Friday 8am-4pm.

PLEASE INCLUDE A COMPLETED NTS SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM WITH ALL SUBMISSIONS.

NTS SAMPLE SUBMISSION FORM

Mailing address:

OSU Botany – Nematode Testing
2701 SW Campus Way
Corvallis, OR 97331

Contact information:

Lab phone: (541) 737-5253 (leave message if no answer)
Email: waden@science.oregonstate.edu

These measures are being instituted to be in agreement with the University's policies, and to keep our customers and employees safe. We very much appreciate your cooperation!

How do plant-parasitic nematodes harm plants?

Plant-parasitic nematodes pierce plant cell walls with their stylet, which is formed by some of the mouth and esophagus parts. Then they pump up the plant cell just into their digestive system. These nematodes only feed on a certain part of the plant. Most feed on the roots. Some of kinds of nematodes feed only on the outer tissue of the root, others penetrate more deeply, and some completely enter the host. There are different ways they harm the plants. Some induce their hosts to produce nutrients which the nematode can survive on, or enlarged structures in which the nematodes live, or both. Some produce metabolites which kill host tissue. These activities all result in energy being removed from plants to support nematodes. Some plant-parasitic nematodes can cause severe damage that can result in unmarketablity, yield decrease, or even total crop failure.

Learn more about nematodes