Survey on Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Ohio Golf Course Greens

Dr. Shaohui Wu (Turfgrass Health Specialist), Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora (Soybean Pathologist and Nematologist) and Todd Hicks (Turfgrass Pathogen Specialist) from the Departments of Entomology & Plant Pathology at The Ohio State University are conducting a statewide survey on golf course greens, which is to determine the major species and distribution of plant parasitic nematodes damaging short-cut turfgrasses in Ohio and find out the associated abiotic factors in the soil environment. The program provides free nematode identification and soil analysis for golf courses in Ohio, limited to two greens per golf course with one sample per green. 

Samples should be taken around July 01, 2024. If damage is evident (usually later in the season), sample near the margin of affected areas; try to sample turf that is declining, but not dead. When taking samples from turf that is not yet showing above-ground symptoms, sample in a zig-zag pattern across the area. Please note that nematodes may be clustered in distribution and thus samples need to be taken from multiple areas, different from disease sampling. Samples are limited to greens only. 

1. Fill out the site information on the sampling bag label. 

2. Use a T-type soil probe or similar device to collect multiple cores at the 4-inch depth, 16–20 ½-inch-diameter cores for approximately 500 cc per green. Keep the grass materials with soil in the sample. 

3. Place the soil cores from each sampled area into a plastic bag, remove the air from the bag, and seal the bag with a tape to preserve the soil moisture. Place and transport the samples in an insulated box keeping them away from exposure to heat and sunlight at all time. 

4. Keep sample bags in an air-conditioned room until shipping to or dropping off at a designated location (see below). For shipping and transportation, pack samples well to minimize shifting. 

5. Nematodes are sensitive to desiccation, heat and UV light. Please do not expose them to direct sunlight or heat. Leaving samples on the dashboard of your car or in the back of a golf cart for periods of time can kill them quickly and make it difficult for accurate diagnosis. 

Samples can be shipped to the address below with 2-day shipping or dropped off at a designated site nearby. 

OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab 

Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Ph.D. 

CC: Zak Ralston 

110 Kottman Hall 

2021 Coffey Road 

Columbus, OH 43210 

Area representatives from Envu and Advanced Turf Solutions may assist with samplings upon request depending on schedule availability. 

Clay Stewart, Envu

Area Sales Manager (KY-OH-IN)

(984) 309-9688

clayton.stewart@envu.com

We thank Syngenta for sponsoring the program and thank all representatives and site collaborators for assistance!