By Greg Tylka, Department of Plant Pathology
A new source of information about the biology and management of corn nematodes is now available free online from Iowa State University. It's a training module from the ISU Crop Adviser Institute. Topics discussed in the module include:
• the different species of nematodes that can parasitize corn
• review of the basic biology of corn nematodes
• symptoms of nematode damage to corn
• how to determine if a corn field has nematode damage
• current management options for corn nematodes
• the new cyst nematode discovered on corn in 2007
Certified crop advisers (CCAs) can earn 2.0 continuing education units (CEUs) by taking an exam after completing the module.
The corn nematode module complements the ISU Crop Adviser Institute soybean cyst nematode (SCN) module, which is available online for free. The SCN module, also worth 2.0 CEUs for CCAs, discusses:
• the biology and life cycle of SCN
• signs, symptoms and interactions of SCN
• proper soil sampling and field scouting techniques
• management strategies for SCN
• sources of SCN resistance
Both training modules include computer-generated graphics and animations plus video clips that illustrate soil extraction techniques.
The corn nematode module received the Educational Materials Award of Excellence for Computer Software Programs from the American Society of Agronomy in 2009. The SCN module won the same award in 2007.
To access the ISU Crop Adviser Institute modules
1. Register for a free account at cai.iastate.edu. Click on "My Account" from the menu on the left side of the main page, then click on "Create New Account" (thin yellow box at bottom right corner of screen) and follow the instructions.
2. Once an account is created, click on "Modules" from the left side of the front page and click on "Corn Nematodes" or "Soybean Cyst Nematode" from the list of module topics. The corn nematode module is listed under Crop Management and Pest Management topics; the Soybean Cyst Nematode module is only listed under Pest Management.
3. After a module title is selected, click on the yellow word "Available" after "Free Online Version:", then click on the "Add Module" text box.
4. Finally, click on "Stream" to view the module online or click on "Download" to install the module onto your computer for use even when not connected to the Internet.
Although the modules are available for free from the ISU Crop Adviser Institute, there is a $15 per CEU fee for the exam to earn CCA credits.
Modules on many additional crop production and protection topics are also available at no charge from the ISU Crop Adviser Institute.
Greg Tylka is a professor of plant pathology with extension and research responsibilities in management of plant-parasitic nematodes.
Screen shot of the ISU Crop Adviser Institute corn nematode module home page.
Screen shot of the ISU Crop Adviser Institute SCN training module introductory page.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on March 22, 2010. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
Greg Tylka Morrill Professor
Dr. Greg Tylka is a Morrill Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Iowa State University with extension and research responsibilities for management of plant-parasitic nematodes. The focus of Dr. Tylka's research program at Iowa State University is primarily the soybea...