How should soil for nematode analysis be handled before shipping?

Keeping soil cool before shipping for nematode analysis is crucial to preserving the integrity of the sample. Nematodes are sensitive to temperature changes, and elevated temperatures can lead to stress or mortality in these organisms, which may result in inaccurate analysis and reduced detectability.

By maintaining a cool temperature, the soil remains in a state that is more representative of its natural condition, allowing for a proper assessment of the nematode population. This helps ensure that the nematodes not only survive the shipping process but also remain active enough for accurate testing once they reach the laboratory.

The other handling methods would compromise the quality of the sample. For instance, leaving soil at room temperature or storing it in direct sunlight can lead to heat buildup, which could harm the nematodes. Similarly, allowing the soil to dry out can lead to the desiccation of nematodes, making it difficult to obtain reliable results in the analysis.