Corn nematodes are the most frequently overlooked cause of corn disease because their injury symptoms are similar to damage caused by herbicides, soil compaction, nutrient deficiencies, and other problems. Incidence of this pest appears to be increasing due to changes in tillage, use of transgenic corn for insect control, and the changing chemistry of certain pesticides.

Since nematodes are microscopic, identification by the unaided eye is impossible. Thus, a soil-root sample needs to be submitted to a laboratory for diagnosis. According to surveys, limited sampling has been done for corn nematodes.

In order to determine "base line" corn nematode specie and population numbers in Illinois, a sampling project is being conducted. Up to eight corn fields, selected at random, will be sampled in each of approximately 80 counties. This random sampling is occurring the first three weeks of June. Sampling consists of taking soil samples representing a ten acre area within each field.

Information learned from the project will enable University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences faculty and Extension staff to further develop a corn nematode management plan for farmers, agriculture dealers, and consultants. The corn nematode sampling project is being conducted by University of Illinois Extension and Department of Crop Sciences personnel and is funded by a USDA-CSREES grant.