Quantitative analysis method for plant parasitic mechanisms of nematodes by using a microchannel device

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25790035
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Nano/Microsystems
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: HIDA HIROTAKA 神戸大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (60402509)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: MEMS / マイクロ流路 / 化学走性分析 / 植物寄生性センチュウ / MicroTAS

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Plant-parasitic nematodes substantially damage a wide variety of agricultural crops worldwide. The chemotaxis of nematodes is a key factor in their parasitic relationship with plants. Therefore, we have developed a new, efficient, and quantitative method to analyze chemotaxis of the plant-parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, using a microchannel device. We quantitatively defined time-dependent concentration gradients of chemicals in the microchannel by using fluorescein. We also developed a protocol to allow the nematodes to move around in the microchannels by loading an agarose gel with optimum concentration. Using this assay method, we have shown that potassium nitrate stimulates the behavior of M. incognita and can have both repellent and attractant effects, depending on the concentration gradient.

Free Research Field

ナノマイクロシステム