Phenotype Screening Corporation

Pest Susceptibility Screening

In order to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment or genetic modification intended to lower the level of damage done to plants by a pest it is necessary to experimentally determine the difference in damage between plant varieties or treatments.

We describe below some of the applications we have performed using our x-ray technology. Along with a description of the application, we provide example pricing for a typical project. Please Contact us for a quotation for your project.

Reniform Nematode

Worldwide crop loss to nematodes of all kinds is estimated to be in the billions of US Dollars per year. The USDA estimates that cotton crop losses to reniform nematodes in the Southern United States is approximately $130 million per year.

Phenotype Screening Corporation has developed a screening process for nematode infestation that involves counting egg masses on soil grown washed root systems, as opposed to counting soil borne nematodes at the end of a growth trial. The combination of our root analysis results and the count of egg masses can provide a very detailed analysis of egg mass density vs total root length, egg mass distribution by depth, and detailed information about plant root architecture. We have prototyped this technology by comparing the response of resistant and susceptible varieties of cotton to reniform nematode infection as shown in the below bar chart.

Click here to see a detailed white paper describing this technology.

Root Knot Nematode

We have done proof of concept work on a protocol for rot knot nematode similar to reniform nematode infestation. In this application, we count the galls or "knots" that form.

The above images demonstrate our nondestructive root imaging capabilities and show the development of the galls over time.

Please Contact us to discuss the development of a root knot nematode specific screening process that will meet your research needs.

Example Pricing

As an example of what can be done, the experimental work described in the reniform nematode section above would be priced as shown below.

Eight varieties of cotton, eight reps infected with reniform nematodes originating in Tennessee and two reps of uninfected plants. Plants grown in soil under greenhouse conditions for seven weeks. Reniform nematodes native to Tennessee to be used. If Customer wishes to supply nematodes from another state there will be a charge for USDA APHIS permitting.

In addition to cotton, we have experience with with soybean and tomato. Other plants are possible. Please Contact us to discuss your experimental goals. We will then design an experiment and provide you with a firm quotation.