Field Microplot Setup for Pale Cyst Nematode
How does PAPAS set up field microplots to study Pale Cyst Nematode (Globadera pallida), a regulated pest in Idaho?
- Bottom bucket of microplot buried in field soil. Lid is removed for installation of microplot.
2. Collar is made by cutting bottom half of 5 gallon bucket and placed inside lower bucket.
3. Upper bucket has drainage holes with 250µm nylon mesh glued over them to prevent escape.
4. River rock is placed in the bottom two inches of the upper bucket.
5. Example bucket set up before adding soil.
6. Buckets are filled halfway with field soil. To prevent their escape, cysts are enclosed in bags made from size 250 µm nylon mesh. J2 nematodes can move through this size of mesh to infect. Stakes are placed into the soil.
7. The other half of the soil is placed in the bucket. Labels are added.
8. Black plastic is placed around microplots to prevent accidential escape into the field. Plots are irrigated via drip irrigation.
