The laboratory will identify different species of nematodes, a tiny microscopic worm that destroys roots of crops, NMC-CREES entomologist Dr. Marisol Quintanilla said.
“These worms are a huge concern for local farmers, as plant parasitic nematodes destroy roots of crops. The crippling of the roots can lead to yield losses up to 70 percent,” she said.
Quintanilla said nematode research has not been extensive in the CNMI.
Recently, NMC-CREES applied for and was awarded a grant of over $119,000 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study nematodes in the CNMI.
Quintanilla said NMC-CREES is collaborating with the universities of Hawaii and Guam.
NMC-CREES, she added, is supporting other islands with testing soil for nematodes.
Quintanilla said this is a first step in developing a better nematological laboratory.
“In the future we might be able to test soils not only for nematodes, but also for other soil properties nutrients, pH, organic matter, among others,” she said.
The nematodes test is important for farmers to know the status of their soil and how they might improve it to increase yield, she said.
“The nematode analysis can diagnose which nematode pest they might have on their farm and how to manage their soil for improved yield,” she added.
NMC-CRESS was able to identify the banana nematodes of Guam and the CNMI.
It is now also in the process of identifying pineapple nematodes and then other crops, she said, as he thanked Dr. Dilip Nandwani for lending a microscope for nematode identification.
Quintanilla said the collaboration with Guam and Hawaii is very prestigious for NMC-CREES.
“Our work with renowned nematologist like Dr. Koon-Hui Wang and Dr. Brent Sipes from Hawaii, plant pathologist Dr. George Wall from Guam, and plant pathologist Dr. Dilip Nandwani on Saipan puts NMC-CREES entomology lab on the map,” she said.
Shipping soil can introduce pests and plant diseases to our islands, she added.
She said strict procedures on packing and shipping the soil have to be followed.
A permit from USDA is required. NMC-CREES has this soil permit, she said.
“Without it we will not be allowed to process or receive soil from any territory outside of the CNMI,” Quintanilla said. “We are very proud that USDA has granted us this permit.”
The permit allows NMC-CREES to receive soil for research and testing from other Pacific islands like the FSM or Palau, if there is a need.
To help local farmers recognize pests and plant diseases, NMC-CREES will hold a pest identification workshop at the Saipan Grand Hotel on Oct. 27.
Farmers and other interested members of the public are invited to attend this free event.
For more information, call Dr. Quintanilla at 234-5498 ext. 1432 or e-mail marisolq@nmcnet.edu.
