
Powerful New
Microscope Probes Sex Glands of Worm PestBy Hank Becker April 23, 2001New information about the anatomy of a
microscopic worm could help scientists identify weak links in this destructive
pest's reproductive process. Known as the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans is one of the
most economically destructive parasites. It ranks among the worst parasites of
crop plants, after its cousins--the soybean cyst and root-knot nematodes. The lesion nematode consistently attacks and extensively damages just about
every agricultural crop, including potatoes and corn, as well as most
ornamental plants. By damaging the plants, the worm exposes them to many other
destructive soilborne pathogens that can cause additional stress. Until now,
its been difficult to identify this nematode. Now, a powerful microscope used to study the P. penetrans anatomy has
uncovered some new information on the structure of the pests reproductive
systems. ARS nematologist Burton Y. Endo, an expert on nematode anatomy,
working with Agricultural Research
Service cytologist William P. Wergin at the agencys
Nematology
Laboratory, Beltsville, Md., and Ulrich Zunke at the University of
Hamberg-Germany, used a transmission electron microscope to magnify male and
female nematodes. With up to 20,000-x magnification, they could study and map
the structures of both reproductive systems for the first time. According to Endo, the study was undertaken to use state-of-the-art
technology to find weak links in the nematodes reproductive systems. He
believes these links may be manipulated and exploited to develop alternatives
to chemical nematicides that may contaminate groundwater. Today, only a few
chemicals are available, and theyre often inadequate, unsuitable or too
costly. Findings could lead to more effective, environmentally safe,
target-specific controls for lesion nematodes. ARS is the chief scientific research agency of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Scientific contact: Burton Y. Endo, ARS Nematology Laboratory,
Beltsville, Md., phone (410) 721-7759, fax (301) 504-5589,
[email protected]. Story contacts Nematology Laboratory U.S. Department of Agriculture | |