The authors wish to thank past members of the Stock lab: Sam-Kyu Kim, Kathryn Plichta and Victoria Miranda-Thompson for their contributions to the improvement of many of these protocols. We acknowledge the National Science Foundation support (grants IOS-0840932 and IOS-0724978) to S. P. Stock.

1. Soil Sample Collection
<ol>
	<li>Consider covering a minimum area of 2 - 4 m2 for each sampling site.</li>
	<li>Collect soil samples at a depth of at least 15 cm (Figure 4).</li>
	<li>Take at least 5 random samples within this area.</li>
	<li>Take 3 subsamples per sample. Depending on the objective of the study, either combine the subsamples or keep them separate.</li>
	<li>Place each sample in a plastic bag. Consider double-bagging to avoid leaking of samples (Figure 4).</li>
	<li>Label samples with a waterproof marker. Include the following information from each sampling site: Site information (including locality/area/site name and GPS coordinate information), date, habitat, associated vegetation, temperature, elevation, etc. 
	NOTE: If applicable, collect and/or record the presence of insects or other invertebrates collected with the sample for subsequent identification. They may represent potential natural EPN hosts.</li>
	<li>Clean collecting tools between samples by thoroughly washing with water and/or disinfecting them with 70% ethanol or 0.5% bleach solution.</li>
	<li>Keep samples in a cooler (8 - 15 &#176;C) during transport to the laboratory.</li>
	<li>Take a portion of the soil sample for analysis to obtain information on soil composition, texture, moisture, electrical conductivity or other desired soil parameters.</li>
</ol>
2. Nematode Isolation from Soil Samples: Insect-baiting Technique
<ol>
	<li>Remove any debris (i.e., rocks, pieces of wood or bark, leaves, etc.) collected with your samples to avoid contamination with saprobic microorganisms.</li>
	<li>Add water to moisten the soil and facilitate the movement of nematodes. 
	NOTE: Use a spray bottle to slowly increase the moisture level of the soil.</li>
	<li>Place approximately 200 to 250 ml of moist soil in a clean plastic container with a lid.</li>
	<li>Add insect baits. Consider 5 to 10 insects to the soil surface of each sample (Figure 5).</li>
	<li>Cover the container with a lid and turn containers upside down.</li>
	<li>Maintain containers in the dark and at RT (usually 22 - 25 &#176;C).</li>
	<li>Check containers every 2 - 3 days and remove dead insects. 
	NOTE: add additional healthy insects to each container for further baiting of the soil sample.</li>
	<li>Remove dead insects from the containers. NOTE: Cadavers with a brown or ochre coloration are usually parasitized by steinernematids, whereas brick red to dark purple cadavers are parasitized by heterorhabditids.</li>
	<li>Rinse cadavers in sterile water.</li>
	<li>Place cadavers in a modified White trap for recovery of nematode progeny (see procedure below).</li>
</ol>
3. Nematode Recovery from Infected Cadavers: Modified White Trap
<ol>
	<li>Place the top of a 50 (or 60) mm diam. Petri dish inside a larger dish (100 mm).</li>
	<li>Set one single circular filter paper (Whatman #1) inside the smaller dish.</li>
	<li>Place cadavers on the filter paper of the smaller dish making sure cadavers do not touch each other to avoid any contamination.</li>
	<li>Fill the outer (larger) Petri dish with ca. 20 ml of sterile distilled water. Do not add water in the dish that holds the cadavers.</li>
	<li>Cover the large Petri dish and its contents with the lid (Figure 6).</li>
	<li>Label dishes accordingly. Add the following information: Nematode name (species/isolate), infection date (date infection was set) and trap date (this is the date the trap is set up).</li>
	<li>Keep trap at RT until emergence of infective juvenile stages (IJs) occurs. This process can take between 10 - 25 days depending on the nematode species and/or strain considered.</li>
	<li>Harvest water with IJs by removing the larger dish of the trap and pouring water with nematodes into a beaker.</li>
	<li>Allow nematodes to decant to the bottom of the beaker. This process may take a few minutes.</li>
	<li>Pour water carefully, making sure nematodes remain in the bottom of the beaker.</li>
	<li>Rinse nematodes by adding more water and allowing nematodes to decant. This step can be repeated 2 - 3 times until water is clean.</li>
	<li>Place nematode suspension in a tissue culture flask (250 ml). Keep concentration of the suspension to 1,000 - 3,000 nematodes/ml.</li>
	<li>Store flask with nematode suspension in a cold room or in incubator between 10 - 20 &#176;C. 
	NOTE: check stored flasks periodically as shelf life of EPN is variable. Usually steinernematids can be stored for 6 - 12 months without the need of subculturing, whereas heterorhabditids may require more periodic check-ups.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Bedding, R. A., Akhurst, R. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+technique+for+the+detection+of+insect+parasitic+rhabditid+nematodes+in+soil.">A simple technique for the detection of insect parasitic rhabditid nematodes in soil.</a> Nematologica. 21, 109-110 (1975).</li><li>Boemare, N. E., Akhurst, R. A., Dworkin, M., Falkow, S., Rosenberg, E., Schleifer, K. -. H., Stackebrandt, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> The Genera Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus. In The Prokaryotes. , 473-488 (2007).</li><li>Gaugler, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Entomopathogenic Nematology. , (2002).</li><li>Gaugler, R., Kaya, H. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Entomopathogenic Nematode s in Biological Control. , (1990).</li><li>Hazir, S., Keskin, N., Stock, S. P., Kaya, H. K., &#214;zcan, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diversity+and+distribution+of+entomopathogenic+nematodes+(Rhabditida:+Steinernematidae+and+Heterorhabditidae)+in+Turkey.">Diversity and distribution of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in Turkey.</a> Biodiversit., &amp; Conservation. 12, 375-386 (2003).</li><li>Kaya, H. K., Gaugler, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Entomopathogenic+nematodes.">Entomopathogenic nematodes.</a> Annual Review of Entomology. 38, 181-206 (1993).</li><li>Kaya, H. K., Stock, S. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Techniques in insect nematology. In Manual of techniques in insect pathology. , 281-324 (1997).</li><li>Lacey, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Manual of techniques in invertebrate pathology. , (2012).</li><li>McCoy, C. W., Shapiro-Ilan, D., Duncan, L., Nguyen, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Entomopathogenic+nematodes+and+other+natural+enemies+as+mortality+factors+for+larvae+of+Diaprepes+abbreviatus+(Coleoptera:+Curculionidae).">Entomopathogenic nematodes and other natural enemies as mortality factors for larvae of Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).</a> Biological Control. 19, 182-190 (2000).</li><li>Meyling, N. V., Eilenberg, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Occurrence+and+distribution+of+soil+borne+entomopathogenic+fungi+within+a+single+organic+agroecosystem.">Occurrence and distribution of soil borne entomopathogenic fungi within a single organic agroecosystem.</a> Agriculture, ecosystem., &amp; environment. 113, 336-341 (2006).</li><li>Poinar, G. O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Taxonomy and biology of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae. In: Entomopathogenic Nemtaodes in Biological. , 23-61 (1990).</li><li>Stock, S. P., Gress, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diversity+and+phylogenetic+relationships+of+entomopathogenic+nematodes+(Steinernematidae+and+Heterorhabditidae)+from+the+Sky+Islands+of+southern+Arizona.">Diversity and phylogenetic relationships of entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) from the Sky Islands of southern Arizona.</a> Journal of invertebrate pathology. 92, 66-72 (2006).</li><li>Stock, S. P., Hunt, D. J., Grewal, P. S., Ehlers, R. U., Shapiro-Ilan, D. I. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nematode+morphology+and+systematics.">Nematode morphology and systematics.</a> Nematodes as biological control agents. CAB International Publishing. , 3-43 (2005).</li><li>Stock, S. P., Goodrich&#8211;Blair, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Entomopathogenic+nematodes+and+their+bacterial+symbionts:+The+inside+out+of+a+mutualistic+association.">Entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts: The inside out of a mutualistic association.</a> Symbiosis. 46, 65-75 (2008).</li><li>Stuart, R. J., Gaugler, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patchiness+in+populations+of+entomopathogenic+nematodes.">Patchiness in populations of entomopathogenic nematodes.</a> Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 64, 39-45 (1994).</li><li>White, G. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+method+for+obtaining+infective+nematode+larvae+from+cultures.">A method for obtaining infective nematode larvae from cultures.</a> Science. 66, 302-303 (1927).</li></ol>

No conflicts of interest declared.

This demonstration is the first of two presentations that describe a number of techniques that are commonly used for studying EPN and their symbiotic bacteria. These techniques represent key steps for the successful establishment of EPN cultures in the laboratory and also form the basis for other bioassays that employ EPN as model organisms for research.
Various soil surveys of EPN have shown that their abundance and distribution can vary across seasons, habitats and geographic regions4, ...

Many nematodes are associated with insects, and their host interactions range from beneficial to detrimental. Herein, we focus on a group of nematodes that are pathogens of insects, also known as entomopathogenic nematodes (or EPN). Two nematode families belong to this group of nematodes: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae11,13. Their pathogenic effect is in fact conferred by their interaction with facultative anaerobic enteric bacteria (Xenorhabdus bacteria associate with steinernematids and Photorhabdus bacteria associate with heterorhabditids)2. The bacteria are vectored from one insect host to another by the only free living nematode stage, the third-stage infective juvenile (also known as dauer juvenile, infective juvenile or IJ), which lives in the soil. Once inside the insect, the nematodes release the bacteria into the insect&#8217;s hemolymph, which kill the insect host by massive septicemia. The bacteria also degrade the insect&#8217;s tissues and become the nematodes&#8217; food source, allowing them to mature and multiply. Usually, one or two generations of adult nematodes are produced within the insect cadaver. The progeny of the last adult generation reassociates with a few bacterial cells in a more specialize manner than their previous nutritional relationship, and nurture these cells in their intestines as they move out from the insect carcass into the soil where they will await another insect to parasitize6,11,14 (Figure 1).
Since their discovery in 1927, EPN have been considered valuable alternatives to chemical pesticides as they can parasitize a wide range of insects that are agricultural pests3,4,5. However, over the past two decades, these nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria have been recognized as a malleable model system for studying biological, ecological and evolutionary aspects of host-microbe interactions14.
The goal of this presentation is to show the methods and techniques most commonly used for soil sampling and isolation of EPN. A variety of tools is available and can be used for collecting soil samples including: soil corers, trowels, post-hole diggers, augers, sampling tubes, hand shovels, among others (Figure 2).
Depending on the purpose of the study, two sampling strategies can be considered: a) stratified, b) random sampling (Figure 3). The stratified sampling is usually used as part of an intensive study in a specific or demarked area over a given period of time. In general, a transect is demarked and soil samples are taken at stipulated intervals in the transect over a period of time (Figure 3A)15. The random sampling is generally employed when focusing on an extensive area. This sampling strategy has been used for studying the diversity of EPN from a large geographic area or region (Figure 3B)12. A number of factors can be considered depending on the focus of the study including a diverse range of elevations, soil textures and habitats (e.g., cultivated fields, forests, pastures, parks, seashores, riparian areas, etc.).
We show the insect-baiting technique, which was originally described by Bedding and Akhurst1 and represents a simple and selective alternative for recovering EPN from soil samples. This is a selective procedure that is based on the premise that the nematodes (IJ stage) will be attracted to an insect host and parasitize it. This technique can also be considered for isolation of other insect pathogens such as fungi, and bacteria8,10.
We also demonstrate the modified White trap technique which is used for retrieving nematode progeny from infected insect hosts7,14. This is an effortless method that offers the advantage of retrieving a &#8216;clean&#8217; nematode progeny free of debris from the degrading insect cadavers.
Finally, the techniques described and shown in this article correspond to those conceived and/or performed in our laboratory as well as those described by various colleagues and collaborators.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1119">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">Name of Reagent/ Equipment</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Company</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">Catalog Number</td>
			<td style="width:299px;">Comments/Description</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:271px;">Galleria mellonella</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Timberline</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">http://www.timberlinefisheries.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WAXLG</td>
			<td>for insect baiting technique</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="25">
			<td height="25" style="height:25px;width:271px;">Filter Paper, 55mm Grade 1 Cellulose</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Whatman/VWR</td>
			<td>28450-048</td>
			<td>infection chamber and White trap assembly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">60 x 15 mm Petri Dishes</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">VWR</td>
			<td>25384-092</td>
			<td>infection chamber and White trap assembly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">100 x 15 Petri Dishes</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">VWR</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">25384-088</td>
			<td>infection chamber and White trap assembly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:271px;">ZIPloc Plastic Bags</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Ace Hardware or local hardware store</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="19">
			<td height="19" style="height:19px;width:271px;">Mechanical Pipettor P1000, P200 ml</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">VWR</td>
			<td>89130-562; 89130-566&#160;</td>
			<td>infection chamber and White trap assembly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">pippetor tips 1000ml, 200 ml</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">VWR</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">16466-004 ; 53510</td>
			<td>infection chamber and White trap assembly</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">Bleach</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Ace Hardware or local hardware store</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling , desisnfecting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">Sodium Hypochlorite</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Ace Hardware or local hardware store</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling , desisnfecting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">70% Ethyl alochol</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">AAPER</td>
			<td>17212945</td>
			<td>soil sampling , desisnfecting</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="18">
			<td height="18" style="height:18px;width:271px;">Shovels</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Ace Hardware or local hardware store</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">Tubular soil sampler</td>
			<td>Accuproducts</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">Soil Probe, long handle</td>
			<td>Nupla&#160;</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">PRB4T 69401 Classic</td>
			<td>soil sampling</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="20">
			<td height="20" style="height:20px;width:271px;">Measuring tape</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Ace Hardware or local hardware store</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">Flagging tape, various colors</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">Ace Hardware or local hardware store</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">N/A</td>
			<td>soil sampling</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:271px;">tissue culture flasks</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">VWR</td>
			<td style="width:241px;">Falcon, 29185-304&#160;</td>
			<td>White trap, collection of EPN</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="22">
			<td height="22" style="height:22px;width:271px;">wash bottles, Polyethylene, Wide Mouth</td>
			<td style="width:309px;">VWR</td>
			<td>16650-107</td>
			<td>White trap, collection of EPN</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

soil sampling and isolation of entomopathogenic nematodes (steinernematidae, heterorhabditidae)

Entomopathogenic nematodes (a.k.a. EPN) represent a group of soil-inhabiting nematodes that parasitize a wide range of insects. These nematodes belong to two families: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae. Until now, more than 70 species have been described in the Steinernematidae and there are about 20 species in the Heterorhabditidae. The nematodes have a mutualistic partnership with Enterobacteriaceae bacteria and together they act as a potent insecticidal complex that kills a wide range of insect species.
Herein, we focus on the most common techniques considered for collecting EPN from soil. The second part of this presentation focuses on the insect-baiting technique, a widely used approach for the isolation of EPN from soil samples, and the modified White trap technique which is used for the recovery of these nematodes from infected insects. These methods and techniques are key steps for the successful establishment of EPN cultures in the laboratory and also form the basis for other bioassays that consider these nematodes as model organisms for research in other biological disciplines. The techniques shown in this presentation correspond to those performed and/or designed by members of S. P. Stock laboratory as well as those described by various authors.

Soil Sample Collection
Third-stage infective juveniles of EPN are the only free living stages in these nematodes&#8217; life cycle which reside in the soil (Figure 1). Therefore, collecting soil samples is a very efficient method to recover of these nematodes. Figure 4 shows a soil profile indicating the depth at which samples should be taken. Preserving the moisture of a sample is a key factor for survival of the nematodes. Consequently, it is important to ke...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae at JoVE.com

Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae

Entomopathogenic nematodes are soil-inhabiting roundworms that parasitize a wide range of insects. We demonstrate sampling methods used for the isolation of these nematodes from the soil using two techniques: the insect baiting and the modified White trap, for the recovery of nematodes from soil samples and infected insect cadavers, respectively.

Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae)

Entomopathogenic nematodes (a.k.a. EPN) represent a group of soil-inhabiting nematodes that parasitize a wide range of insects. These nematodes belong to ...

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24.7K Views.  University of Arizona. Entomopathogenic nematodes are soil-inhabiting roundworms that parasitize a wide range of insects. We demonstrate sampling methods used for the isolation of these nematodes from the soil using two techniques: the insect baiting and the modified White trap, for the recovery of nematodes from soil samples and infected insect cadavers, respectively.

Video: Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling

Tracing rare stable isotopes from plant material through the ecosystem provides the most sensitive information about ecosystem processes; from CO2 fluxes and soil organic matter formation to small-scale stable-isotope biomarker probing. Coupling multiple stable isotopes such as 13C with 15N, 18O or&#160;2H has the potential to reveal even more information about complex stoichiometric relationships during biogeochemical transformations. Isotope labeled plant material has been used in various studies of litter decomposition and soil organic matter formation1-4. From these and other studies, however, it has become apparent that structural components of plant material behave differently than metabolic components (i.e. leachable low molecular weight compounds) in terms of microbial utilization and long-term carbon storage5-7. The ability to study structural and metabolic components separately provides a powerful new tool for advancing the forefront of ecosystem biogeochemical studies. Here we describe a method for producing 13C and 15N labeled plant material that is either uniformly labeled throughout the plant or differentially labeled in structural and metabolic plant components.
Here, we present the construction and operation of a continuous 13C and 15N labeling chamber that can be modified to meet various research needs. Uniformly labeled plant material is produced by continuous labeling from seedling to harvest, while differential labeling is achieved by removing the growing plants from the chamber weeks prior to harvest. Representative results from growing Andropogon gerardii Kaw demonstrate the system&#39;s ability to efficiently label plant material at the targeted levels. Through this method we have produced plant material with a 4.4 atom%13C and 6.7 atom%15N uniform plant label, or material that is differentially labeled by up to 1.29 atom%13C and 0.56 atom%15N in its metabolic and structural components (hot water extractable and hot water residual components, respectively). Challenges lie in maintaining proper temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration,&#160;and light levels in an airtight 13C-CO2 atmosphere for successful plant production. This chamber description represents a useful research tool to effectively produce uniformly or differentially multi-isotope labeled plant material for use in experiments on ecosystem biogeochemical cycling.

Design and Operation of a Continuous 13C and 15N Labeling Chamber for Uniform or Differential, Metabolic and Structural, Plant Isotope Labeling

This method explains how to build and operate a continuous 13C and 15N isotope labeling chamber for uniform or differential plant tissue labeling. Representative results from metabolic and structural labeling of Andropogon gerardii are discussed.

Tracing rare stable isotopes from plant material through the ecosystem provides the most sensitive information about ecosystem processes; from CO2 fluxes ...

Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation

Potentially toxic chemicals are routinely applied to land to meet growing demands on waste management and food production, but the fate of these chemicals is often not well understood. Here we demonstrate an integrated field lysimetry and porewater sampling method for evaluating the mobility of chemicals applied to soils and established vegetation. Lysimeters, open columns made of metal or plastic, are driven into bareground or vegetated soils. Porewater samplers, which are commercially available and use vacuum to collect percolating soil water, are installed at predetermined depths within the lysimeters. At prearranged times following chemical application to experimental plots, porewater is collected, and lysimeters, containing soil and vegetation, are exhumed. By analyzing chemical concentrations in the lysimeter soil, vegetation, and porewater, downward leaching rates, soil retention capacities, and plant uptake for the chemical of interest may be quantified. Because field lysimetry and porewater sampling are conducted under natural environmental conditions and with minimal soil disturbance, derived results project real-case scenarios and provide valuable information for chemical management. As chemicals are increasingly applied to land worldwide, the described techniques may be utilized to determine whether applied chemicals pose adverse effects to human health or the environment.

Field lysimetry and porewater sampling allow researchers to evaluate the fate of chemicals applied to soils and established vegetation. The goal of this protocol is to demonstrate how to install required instrumentation and collect samples for chemical analysis during integrated field lysimetry and porewater sampling experiments.

Potentially toxic chemicals are routinely applied to land to meet growing demands on waste management and food production, but the fate of these chemicals ...

An Optimized Enrichment Technique for the Isolation of Arthrobacter Bacteriophage Species from Soil Sample Isolates

Bacteriophage isolation from environmental samples has been performed for decades using principles set forth by pioneers in microbiology. The isolation of phages infecting Arthrobacter hosts has been limited, perhaps due to the low success rate of many previous isolation techniques, resulting in an underrepresented group of Arthrobacter phages available for study. The enrichment technique described here, unlike many others, uses a filtered extract free of contaminating bacteria as the base for indicator bacteria growth, Arthrobactersp. KY3901, specifically. By first removing soil bacteria the target phages are not hindered by competition with native soil bacteria present in initial soil samples. This enrichment method has resulted in dozens of unique phages from several different soil types and even produced different types of phages from the same enriched soil sample isolate. The use of this procedure can be expanded to most nutrient rich aerobic media for the isolation of phages in a vast diversity of interesting host bacteria.

An Optimized Enrichment Technique for the Isolation of Arthrobacter Bacteriophage Species from Soil Sample Isolates

We present an enrichment protocol for the isolation of bacteriophages infecting bacteria in the Arthrobacter genus. This enrichment protocol produces fast and reproducible results for the isolation and amplification of Arthrobacter phages from soil isolates.

Bacteriophage isolation from environmental samples has been performed for decades using principles set forth by pioneers in microbiology. The isolation of ...

Assaying Predatory Feeding Behaviors in Pristionchus and Other Nematodes

This protocol provides multiple methods for the analysis and quantification of predatory feeding behaviors in nematodes. Many nematode species including Pristionchus pacificus display complex behaviors, the most striking of which is the predation of other nematode larvae. However, as these behaviors are absent in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, they have thus far only recently been described in detail along with the development of reliable behavioral assays 1. These predatory behaviors are dependent upon phenotypically plastic but fixed mouth morphs making the correct identification and categorization of these animals essential. In P. pacificus there are two mouth types, the stenostomatous and eurystomatous morphs 2, with only the wide mouthed eurystomatous containing an extra tooth and being capable of killing other nematode larvae. Through the isolation of an abundance of size matched prey larvae and subsequent exposure to predatory nematodes, assays including both "corpse assays" and "bite assays" on correctly identified mouth morph nematodes are possible. These assays provide a means to rapidly quantify predation success rates and provide a detailed behavioral analysis of individual nematodes engaged in predatory feeding activities. In addition, with the use of a high-speed camera, visualization of changes in pharyngeal activity including tooth and pumping dynamics are also possible.

Assaying Predatory Feeding Behaviors in Pristionchus and Other Nematodes

Behavioral assays provide powerful tools for understanding neuronal function. Here we present several protocols for quantifying predatory feeding behavior found in the model nematode Pristionchus pacificus and its relatives. Additionally, we provide methods for analyzing predatory feeding adaptations including mouth structures and teeth.

This protocol provides multiple methods for the analysis and quantification of predatory feeding behaviors in nematodes. Many nematode species including ...

A Gusseted Thermogradient Table to Control Soil Temperatures for Evaluating Plant Growth and Monitoring Soil Processes

Thermogradient tables were first developed in the 1950s primarily to test seed germination over a range of temperatures simultaneously without using a series of incubators. A temperature gradient is passively established across the surface of the table between the heated and cooled ends and is lost quickly at distances above the surface. Since temperature is only controlled on the table surface, experiments are restricted to shallow containers, such as Petri dishes, placed on the table. Welding continuous aluminum vertical strips or gussets perpendicular to the surface of a table enables temperature control in depth via convective heat flow. Soil in the channels between gussets was maintained across a gradient of temperatures allowing a greater diversity of experimentation. The gusseted design was evaluated by germinating oat, lettuce, tomato, and melon seeds. Soil temperatures were monitored using individual, battery-powered dataloggers positioned across the table. LED lights installed in the lids or along the sides of the gradient table create a controlled temperature chamber where seedlings can be grown over a range of temperatures. The gusseted design enabled accurate determination of optimum temperatures for fastest germination rate and the highest percentage germination for each species. Germination information from gradient table experiments can help predict seed germination and seedling growth under the adverse soil conditions often encountered during field crop production. Temperature effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and soil ecology can be tested under controlled conditions in a laboratory using a gusseted thermogradient table.

Traditional thermogradient tables create a range of temperatures across the surface. Welding gussets perpendicular to the surface of a thermogradient table will control temperature in depth increasing possible research applications.

Thermogradient tables were first developed in the 1950s primarily to test seed germination over a range of temperatures simultaneously without using a ...

Measuring and Mapping Patterns of Soil Erosion and Deposition Related to Soil Carbonate Concentrations Under Agricultural Management

Spatial patterns of soil erosion and deposition can be inferred from differences in ground elevation mapped at appropriate time increments. Such changes in elevation are related to changes in near-surface soil carbonate (CaCO3) profiles. The objective is to describe a simple conceptual model and detailed protocol for repeatable field and laboratory measurements of these quantities. Here, accurate elevation is measured using a ground-based differential global positioning system (GPS); other data acquisition methods could be applied to the same basic method. Soil samples are collected from prescribed depth intervals and analyzed in the lab using an efficient and precise modified pressure-calcimeter method for quantitative analysis of inorganic carbon concentration. Standard statistical methods are applied to point data, and representative results show significant correlations between changes in soil surface layer CaCO3 and changes in elevation consistent with the conceptual model; CaCO3 generally decreased in depositional areas and increased in erosional areas. Maps are derived from point measurements of elevation and soil CaCO3 to aid analyses. A map of erosional and depositional patterns at the study site, a rain-fed winter wheat field cropped in alternating wheat-fallow strips, shows the interacting effects of water and wind erosion affected by management and topography. Alternative sampling methods and depth intervals are discussed and recommended for future work relating soil erosion and deposition to soil CaCO3.

Spatial patterns of soil erosion and deposition can be inferred from differences in ground elevation mapped at appropriate time increments. Such changes in elevation are related to changes in near-surface soil carbonates. Repeatable methods for field and laboratory measurements of these quantities and data analysis methods are described here.

Spatial patterns of soil erosion and deposition can be inferred from differences in ground elevation mapped at appropriate time increments. Such changes ...

Wastewater Irrigation Impacts on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity: Coupled Field Sampling and Laboratory Determination of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity

Since the early 1960s, an alternative wastewater discharge practice at The Pennsylvania State University has been researched and its impacts monitored. Rather than discharging treated wastewater to a stream, and thereby directly impacting the stream quality, the effluent is applied to forested and cropped land managed by the University. Concerns related to reductions in soil hydraulic conductivity occur when considering wastewater reuse. The methodology described in this manuscript, matching soil sample size with the size of the laboratory-based hydraulic conductivity measurement apparatus, provides the benefits of a relatively rapid collection of samples with the benefits of controlled laboratory boundary conditions. The results suggest that there may have been some impact of wastewater reuse on the soil&#39;s ability to transmit water at deeper depths in the depressional areas of the site. Most of the reductions in the soil hydraulic conductivity in the depressions appear to be related to the depth from which the sample was collected, and by inference, associated with the soil structural and textural differences.

Here we present a methodology which matches a soil sample size and a hydraulic conductivity measurement device to prevent the so-called wall flow along the inside of the soil container from being erroneously included in water flow measurements. Its use is demonstrated with samples collected from a wastewater irrigation site.

Since the early 1960s, an alternative wastewater discharge practice at The Pennsylvania State University has been researched and its impacts monitored. ...

Isolation and Analysis of Microbial Communities in Soil, Rhizosphere, and Roots in Perennial Grass Experiments

Plant and soil microbiome studies are becoming increasingly important for understanding the roles microorganisms play in agricultural productivity. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide detail on how to rapidly sample soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere of replicated field trials and analyze changes that may occur in the microbial communities due to sample type, treatment, and plant genotype. The experiment used to demonstrate these methods consists of replicated field plots containing two, pure, warm-season grasses (Panicum virgatum and Andropogon gerardii) and a low-diversity grass mixture (A. gerardii, Sorghastrum nutans, and Bouteloua curtipendula). Briefly, plants are excavated, a variety of roots are cut and placed in phosphate buffer, and then shaken to collect the rhizosphere. Roots are brought to the laboratory on ice and surface sterilized with bleach and ethanol (EtOH). The rhizosphere is filtered and concentrated by centrifugation. Excavated soil from around the root ball is placed into plastic bags and brought to the lab where a small amount of soil is taken for DNA extractions. DNA is extracted from roots, soil, and rhizosphere and then amplified with primers for the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Amplicons are sequenced, then analyzed with open access bioinformatics tools. These methods allow researchers to test how the microbial community diversity and composition varies due to sample type, treatment, and plant genotype. Using these methods along with statistical models, the representative results demonstrate there are significant differences in microbial communities of roots, rhizosphere, and soil. Methods presented here provide a complete set of steps for how to collect field samples, isolate, extract, quantify, amplify, and sequence DNA, and analyze microbial community diversity and composition in replicated field trials.

Excavation of plant roots from the field as well as processing of samples into endosphere, rhizosphere, and soil are described in detail, including DNA extraction and data analysis methods. This paper is designed to enable other laboratories to use these techniques for the study of soil, endosphere, and rhizosphere microbiomes.

Plant and soil microbiome studies are becoming increasingly important for understanding the roles microorganisms play in agricultural productivity. The ...

Use of Principal Components for Scaling Up Topographic Models to Map Soil Redistribution and Soil Organic Carbon

Landscape topography is a critical factor affecting soil formation and plays an important role in determining soil properties on the earth surface, as it regulates the gravity-driven soil movement induced by runoff and tillage activities. The recent application of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data holds promise for generating high spatial resolution topographic metrics that can be used to investigate soil property variability. In this study, fifteen topographic metrics derived from LiDAR data were used to investigate topographic impacts on redistribution of soil and spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC). Specifically, we explored the use of topographic principal components (TPCs) for characterizing topography metrics and stepwise principal component regression (SPCR) to develop topography-based soil erosion and SOC models at site and watershed scales. Performance of SPCR models was evaluated against stepwise ordinary least square regression (SOLSR) models. Results showed that SPCR models outperformed SOLSR models in predicting soil redistribution rates and SOC density at different spatial scales. Use of TPCs removes potential collinearity between individual input variables, and dimensionality reduction by principal component analysis (PCA) diminishes the risk of overfitting the prediction models. This study proposes a new approach for modeling soil redistribution across various spatial scales. For one application, access to private lands is often limited, and the need to extrapolate findings from representative study sites to larger settings that include private lands can be important.

Landscape processes are critical components of soil formation and play important roles in determining soil properties and spatial structure in landscapes. We propose a new approach using stepwise principal component regression to predict soil redistribution and soil organic carbon across various spatial scales.

Landscape topography is a critical factor affecting soil formation and plays an important role in determining soil properties on the earth surface, as it ...

Microplot Design and Plant and Soil Sample Preparation for 15Nitrogen Analysis

Many&#160;nitrogen fertilizer studies evaluate the overall effect of a treatment on end-of-season measurements such as grain yield or cumulative N losses. A stable isotope approach is necessary to follow and quantify the fate of fertilizer derived N (FDN) through the soil-crop system. The purpose of this paper is to describe a small-plot research&#160;design utilizing non-confined 15N enriched microplots for multiple soil and plant sampling events over two growing seasons and provide sample collection, handling, and processing protocols for total 15N analysis. The methods were demonstrated using a replicated study from south-central Minnesota planted to corn (Zea mays L.). Each treatment consisted of six corn rows (76 cm row-spacing) 15.2 m long with a microplot (2.4 m by 3.8 m) embedded at one end. Fertilizer-grade urea was applied at 135 kg N&#8729;ha-1 at planting, while the microplot received urea enriched to 5 atom % 15N. Soil and plant samples were taken several times throughout the growing season, taking care to minimize cross-contamination by using separate tools and physically separating unenriched and enriched samples during all procedures. Soil and plant samples were dried, ground to pass through a 2 mm screen, and then ground to a flour-like consistency using a roller jar mill. Tracer studies require additional planning, sample processing time and manual labor, and incur higher costs for 15N enriched materials and sample analysis than traditional N studies. However, using the mass balance approach, tracer studies with multiple in-season sampling events allow the researcher to estimate FDN distribution through the soil-crop system and estimate unaccounted-for FDN from the system.

Microplot Design and Plant and Soil Sample Preparation for 15Nitrogen Analysis

A microplot design for 15N tracer research is described to accommodate multiple in-season plant and soil sampling events. Soil and plant sample collection and processing procedures, including grinding and weighing protocols, for 15N analysis are put forth.

Many&#160;nitrogen fertilizer studies evaluate the overall effect of a treatment on end-of-season measurements such as grain yield or cumulative N losses. ...