An easy way to check soybean fields for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is to dig roots and look for small, white, round SCN females. The first females of the season are now visible on roots in Iowa. Checking roots for SCN females also is a good way to check if SCN-resistant soybean cultivars are being effective.
By Greg Tylka, Department of Pathology and Microbiology
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is one of the most damaging pests of soybean in Iowa and the Midwest. SCN can cause foliar symptoms of soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) to occur earlier in the season and to become more severe, leading to increased yield losses from the disease.
SCN females on roots marks end of first generation
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continues to cause serious soybean yield losses in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. It is easy to identify SCN infestations in the field during the growing season by checking soybean roots for the presence of SCN females. This article discusses the benefits of checking soybean roots in fields planted with susceptible and SCN-resistant soybean varieties.
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a serious yield-limiting pest in the Midwest, and adult SCN females can be seen with the unaided eye as small, white objects on soybean roots. Recently, adult SCN females were observed on soybeans that were planted in early to mid May in north central Iowa, indicating that fields can be checked now for the presence of SCN.
Yield loss caused by soybean cyst nematode (SCN) does not always result is symptoms, especially in cool and wet growing seasons. The only way to check for SCN in the field is to dig roots and look for SCN females. This also is a useful way to check how well SCN-resistant varieties are controlling the nematode.
SCN females will begin appearing on soybean roots soon. Digging soybean roots and looking for the nematode females is an effective way to scout fields for SCN and also to check if SCN-resistant soybean varieties are controlling the nematode.
Carefully checking roots now for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) females can tell you if resistant soybean varieties are controlling the nematode in the field.
Female soybean cyst nematodes are now present in Iowa fields. Areas of the field that favor SCN and where to look on the plant are discussed.
