Phytopathogenic Nematode Detection Service for Sunflower Crops in Ukraine

Overview

This offering provides a diagnostic service for detecting phytopathogenic nematodes in sunflower crops in Ukraine. Sunflower is one of the most important crops in the region, and globally the primary nematode threats come from Ditylenchus spp. and Pratylenchus spp. Currently, no phytopathogenic nematode species on sunflower have been formally documented in Ukraine, creating uncertainty around whether protective chemical treatments are warranted.

The service addresses this gap by analyzing soil and root samples to identify nematode species, count population levels, and determine whether intervention thresholds are exceeded. If nematode populations are found to be below damaging levels, growers can avoid unnecessary pesticide applications, reducing costs and environmental impact. If populations exceed 100 nematodes per 1 gram of soil, the results can guide the development of targeted protection methods.

Technical specifications

Diagnostic approach:

• Soil samples collected before sowing are analyzed for the general nematode population
• Sunflower root system samples are collected twice per growing season (after germination and approximately two months later) to isolate nematodes actively infecting the plant
• Comparison of general soil populations with nematodes isolated from roots enables identification of sunflower-specific pathogens

Sample scope and coverage:

• Ten soil samples prepared for sunflower sowing per region
• Ten root system samples per region, taken at two time points during the growing season
• Research conducted across two regions of Ukraine
• Total of 60 samples analyzed per study

Identification methods:

• Nematodes are isolated from soil samples using established laboratory protocols
• Microscopic preparations are created for each sample
• Species identification is carried out using microscopy, leveraging the laboratory's existing expertise in determining species composition of phytopathogenic nematodes on corn, wheat, and potatoes

Technology readiness level

The service is built on existing laboratory capabilities in phytopathogenic nematode identification across multiple crops (corn, wheat, potatoes). The proposed study is planned as a one-year research and validation effort, with sampling and analysis protocols already defined. The approach is ready for field deployment, with future validation focused on refining the distinction between general soil nematode populations and sunflower-specific pathogens through comparative analysis of soil and root samples over the growing season.