The WMicrotracker system is a cutting-edge tool designed to measure the locomotor activity of various microscopic organisms, including the J2 juveniles of the Meloidogyne spp., commonly known as root-knot nematodes. This nematode species is particularly notorious for its impact on agricultural crops, making the study of their behaviors under different conditions essential for effective pest management strategies. The WMicrotracker offers a precise and efficient method for observing and quantifying the activity levels of these nematodes in real-time. By utilizing optical sensing technology, the system detects and records the movement patterns of J2 juveniles, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of nematicides and other control measures. This method provides a non-invasive way to monitor the nematodes’ responses to treatments, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the improvement of crop protection measures.
The activity of Meloidogyne J2 was evaluated using WMicrotracker ONE. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 100, 150 or 200 of J2 in 100 μl H20d was tested in WMicrotracker ONE during 60 minutes at 20ºC. It is shown the media activity and the standard error per group (n=4).
Inhibition response of Meloidogyne J2 locomotor activity to Aldicarb. The effect of different concentrations of Aldicarb (0μM (control),1mM and 1.5mM) was evaluated. 100 Meloidogyne J2 were picked per well in a 96-well flat bottom plate. The locomotor activity was recorded at 20ºC during 5 hours. Data represents the mean of four replicates.
Impotant: Nematode solution must be subjected to sacarose gradient cleaning to remove rotifer contamination.
Full protocol (Spanish): Dr. Jesica Diogo protocol Book (@phylumtech)