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Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is the 2,000-pound gorilla in the room, and it continues to slowly expand in ND. Nationally, SCN is estimated to cause more yield loss than the next three to five most important soybean diseases combined.
The soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is a parasitic worm that feeds and reproduces on soybeans, dry beans, and a few weed hosts found in North Dakota. The nematode can survive for many years and is thought to commonly go through two to three life cycles in our climate annually.
📸: @rustamank via Canva
The Impact of SCN on Crop Yield
Each cyst will commonly have 100–200 eggs, so multiply that by three cycles in a season, and you have the potential for a very explosive population.
Soybeans that are infected by SCN are difficult to detect because of their above-ground symptoms. It’s not until they are experiencing yield losses of 15–30% (or more) that they may turn yellow and/or appear stunted (Figure 1).
Figure 1. 📸: BASF employeer/Featuring severe damage from Soybean Cyst Nematode, which appears only as a general area of yellow and stunted soybeans.
Soil Sampling: The First Step
Consequently, soil sampling is the most effective way to find SCN and the only way to quantify how bad your infestation is.
If found, SCN can be managed, but it takes time. The objective is to keep your egg levels low. In North Dakota, we have a couple of advantages (and maybe a disadvantage as well) when it comes to preventing or managing SCN. First, most ND growers likely don’t have SCN yet (the SE may be an exception). SCN moves only when soil is moved. While we can’t control soil movement by wind-blowing or flood water, we can be careful about introducing SCN to equipment.
Step 2: Crop Rotation
Second, many ND growers have lots of good rotation options, and the only crop hosts of SCN are soybeans and dry beans. Rotation to any other crop will help reduce SCN egg levels.
Step 3: Genetic Resistance
Genetic resistance is important and can be very effective, and resistant options are available. However, nearly all our resistance soybeans have the same source of resistance (PI88788), and some varieties are not as effective as we would like.
The North Dakota Soybean Council (NDSC) and NDSU Extension SCN soil sampling program makes it easy for ND growers to soil sample for SCN, and the NDSC will cover all the laboratory fees.
How to Participate
To participate, pick up to three pre-labeled SCN soil test bags from any County Extension office. The laboratory fees from SCN samples submitted through the sampling program are covered by the North Dakota Soybean Council. A total of 1,000 SCN soil test bags will be available to growers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Submitting Your Sample
To submit a sample, fill the bag with soil, provide site information, and send the bag to the partner lab (Agvise).
Getting Your Results
Results will be mailed directly to the submitting growers. Notably, laboratory fees are covered for samples submitted in pre-labeled bags only, so it is critical to pick them up from the county Extension office.
Resources for More Information:
Every crop year brings new challenges, and our battle against pests can be one of farming's biggest sources of frustration. If you’ve encountered pests or pest-related damage to your soybeans and would like to discuss options and strategies with an expert, reach out to your BASF representative. We’re here to help.
📸: BASF internal photograph/Featuring 3-year on-farm yield report using ILEVO® Seed Treatment.
Always read and follow label directions. ILEVO is a registered trademark of BASF. Grow Smart Live is a registered trademark of BASF. Copyright 2023 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Endnotes
*Source: NDSU Crop & Pest Report
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