New lab opens at Cornell for invasive species research

He met with New York State Senator Tom O’Mara (R, C, I-Big Flats) to explain why the state and Cornell needed to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge of research. Their conversation spurred the senator into action. He called upon his colleagues in the state senate to secure grant money for a new, biosafe lab and state-of-the-art equipment.

“Cornell’s efforts throughout the past century to contain this threat, and to conduct the research and development that will always be the front line of protection for our regional growers and farmers throughout New York State and the nation, has been remarkable,” said O’Mara. “This upgraded facility will ensure that the college’s enormously important work on behalf of a key agricultural sector will be carried on effectively and successfully." 

Golden and pale-cyst nematodes can destroy agricultural markets by feeding on the roots of potatoes and other important crops, such as tomatoes, eggplants and some solanaceous weed. However, other soil-based crops, such as beets, carrots, turf grass and nursery-grown plants, can also be excluded from domestic and international trade markets if they grow in uncontrolled nematode-infested areas. 

The threat from these microscopic worms comes not only from the fact that they spread easily in soil, water and wind, but they can live for over 30 years in the ground.

While nematodes have not been reported to affect humans or livestock, attempts to fumigate and eradicate nematodes have hurt farm animals, making long-term quarantines all the more essential to controlling outbreaks.

United States Senate minority leader Charles Schumer called the new lab a win-win for both Cornell and New York State agriculture. “This facility is the main line of defense between New York potato farmers and the potentially catastrophic spread of the golden nematode, which is why I’ve always fought tooth and nail to secure every resource possible for it,” he said.

His sentiment was echoed by Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS.  She said, “We are very grateful to our government partners for helping secure funding for this project. Their efforts demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the vital work conducted at our Land Grant institution, as well as their active support for our state’s farmers. With the new state-of-the-art research equipment, we will be able to better mitigate new threats from nematodes and maintain the stability and success of New York agriculture.”