The emerging nematodes are washed into the funnel and collected in a container where they settle to the bottom and excess water overflows. Emerging nematodes can observed directly. If the material is left for a longer period of time more nematodes will be observed. It is also possible to observe sedentary endoparasites by this method. The recovery of nematodes from chopped rather than macerated roots is reduced, possibly because of oxygen starvation or exhaustion of the nematodes.
Liquid detergent ensures that all surfaces of the macerated root tissue are thoroughly wetted.
The organic fraction is macerated in a blender before centrifugation to release eggs and juveniles from the roots. Maceration of samples with a high mineral content damages a large proportion of nematodes which are not then recovered. Seeds can be separated from nematode suspension by placing on a small sieve in a Petri dish, etc. With most seed-borne nematodes, e.g. Aphelenchoides besseyi of rice, extraction from seeds is more efficient if seeds are first soaked and the glumes partially removed with a needle and forceps before extracting. Nematodes should be stained bright pink or blue, depending on the stain used.