Technology Search:
Soybean Nematodes Field Diagnostic Tools

Status: Completed
$2,000 referral fee for accepted leads.

A client is seeking innovative diagnostic tools or technologies to classify and quantify soybean nematode populations in the field to replace the time-consuming and costly microscopy-based testing.

In-field assessments for three types of soybean nematodes are required. The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, is of paramount interest. It is the most destructive pathogen of soybean and is now found in most soybean producing areas of the world. Two genera, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are also of concern. The populations of these pathogens increase during soybean production and have implications for both soybean and subsequent crops.

Eligible diagnostic tools or technologies must be able to provide direct, in-field nematode classification and quantification for eggs, cysts, or nematodes of these species as appropriate to differentiate the three types of pathogen.

Tools and technologies NOT of interest include:
  • Microscopy or other lab-based identification methods
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) based methods
  • Methods requiring further research and development before in-field use.

REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, submissions MUST fulfill the following criteria:
  • Utility for in-field for soybean nematode detection;
  • Utility for classification and quantification for, at a minimum, soybean cyst nematode, Hetrodera glycines, and, ideally, root-knot and lesion nematode genera as well, and;
  • Demonstrated readiness for immediate in-field use, supported by data.

$2,000 referral fee for accepted leads.