The FLOTAC basic technique as a new extraction method for root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) from soil and roots

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nematology
• Soil Science

Background:

• FLOTAC techniques are established for human and animal parasite extraction.
• Phytoparasitic nematode extraction traditionally uses methods like centrifugal flotation and root maceration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the FLOTAC basic technique (FBT) for extracting phytoparasitic nematodes from soil and plant roots.
• To compare FBT's efficacy against conventional methods for *Meloidogyne incognita* extraction.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of *Meloidogyne incognita* eggs and J2 from soil and tomato roots using FBT.
• Comparison of FBT with centrifugal flotation for soil samples.
• Comparison of FBT with root maceration for root samples.

Main Results:

• FBT extracted significantly more *M. incognita* eggs and J2 from soil (277 vs 35 eggs/mL) compared to centrifugal flotation.
• No significant difference was found between FBT and root maceration for extracting nematodes from tomato roots.
• FBT demonstrated high effectiveness for phytoparasitic nematode extraction.

Conclusions:

• FBT is a highly effective method for extracting phytoparasitic nematodes from soil and plant material.
• The accuracy and sensitivity of FBT make it suitable for extensive nematode surveys.
• FBT offers a reliable tool for rapid detection of phytoparasitic nematofauna in large areas.