Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
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In vivo and In vitro Rearing of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae
Published on: September 22, 2014
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Rearing and Conservation of Nematode Populations Under Greenhouse or Axenic Conditions
Nicola Greco1, Alberto Troccoli1
1Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Bari, Italy.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 1, 2024
Summary
This study provides essential methods for obtaining and culturing plant-parasitic nematodes. It details greenhouse and in vitro techniques for nematode reproduction and long-term storage, crucial for research and testing.
Area of Science:
- Nematology
- Plant Pathology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Large nematode populations are essential for screening programs and pathogenicity tests.
- Nematode availability fluctuates seasonally, necessitating reliable reproduction and storage methods.
- Current research requires consistent access to nematodes beyond natural field availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide comprehensive guidelines for obtaining nematodes from field crops.
- To detail methods for reproducing various nematode species in greenhouse and in vitro settings.
- To outline effective strategies for long-term storage of nematodes for future research needs.
Main Methods:
- Nematode collection from field crops.
- Greenhouse reproduction on host plants (e.g., Meloidogyne spp., Globodera spp.).
- In vitro reproduction on host plant callus, fungal cultures (e.g., Botrytis cinerea), and specific media (e.g., carrot disks, garlic, potato).
Main Results:
- Successful reproduction of key nematode genera (Meloidogyne, Globodera, Pratylenchus, Ditylenchus, Aphelenchoides, Bursaphelenchus, Radopholus) using described methods.
- Established protocols for in vitro culture on diverse substrates.
- Guidelines for long-term nematode storage, including in vitro and plant-part methods.
Conclusions:
- The described methods ensure a consistent and ample supply of nematodes for research.
- Both greenhouse and in vitro techniques are viable for nematode mass production.
- Effective storage solutions are presented for maintaining nematode viability over extended periods.
