Laboratory of Phytoparasitology

Head of the Laboratory, 
Candidate of Biological Sciences 
Svetlana Vladimirovna Lychagina

The laboratory was established in 1936. 

The most important objective of the Phytoparasitology Laboratory is to develop a strategy for managing the population of phytoparasitic nematodes. The tasks of the Phytoparasitology Laboratory also include the identification of nematodes in different regions of the Russian Federation. 

Main research directions of the Laboratory:

 • selection of organisms with properties for the biological regulation of populations of phytoparasitic nematodes and assessment of their mode of action;

 • assessment of nematode resistance and tolerance of varieties and hybrids of cereals, vegetables and potatoes;

 • development and improvement of measures to combat potato rot nematode (Ditylenchus destructor), potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis), oat cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae), sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii), stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci), rice leaf nematode (Aphelenchoides besseyi), nematodes-vectors of viruses of the genus Xiphinema, and root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne; 

• using the agrophytocenotic method to control the population of phytohelminths; 

• application of the serological method for identification of nematodes;

 • cultivation of plant-parasitic nematodes in laboratory conditions; 

• use of the luminescent method for analysis of microorganisms in the soil; 

• assessment of the number and biodiversity of nematodes in natural and anthropogenic communities; 

• development of mathematical and computer models for predicting the development of potato globoderosis, and population dynamics of potato golden nematode;

• study of the epiphytotic process in the most harmful phytohelminthiasis (potato globoderosis, potato ditylenchiasis, rice aphenechoides, meloydoginosis of vegetable crops; 

• development of remote methods for detection of foci of phytohelminthiasis.

The Laboratory of Phytoparasitology personnel conduct intensive research activities to study harmful plant parasite organisms that pose a serious danger to agriculture, and therefore the Russian economy. Research results turn into research monographs and methodological guidelines to detect and identify, as well as localize and eliminate foci of plant parasitic infections, and provide methods for protecting agricultural crops from plant parasites, including quarantine ones, e.g., the golden potato nematode Globodera rostochiensis. This plant parasite is the cause of potato globoderosis, a widespread and the most harmful potato disease on farms, peasant households, and private subsidiary plots. On average, potato crop losses from globoderosis are 30% in areas where the nematode is disseminated but reach 80 to 90% in some places. The presentations below clearly show characteristic features of the golden potato nematode, its harmfulness, globoderosis symptoms, its epiphytotiology, and potato defense systems against such nematode.

Prognostic computer models are demonstrated. They are maximally adapted to solving management tasks and are a tool designed to assist farmers, agronomists, and plant protection specialists who make decisions when they grow potatoes in agricultural holdings, agricultural firms, collective farms, peasant households, and private subsidiary farms. Computer experiments conducted on predictive computer dialogue models will help to theoretically substantiate best practicable means for prevention and control of the pathogen of potato globoderosis.