Years ago, when I first started Extension, there was lots of talk about soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) and called it the “silent yield robber”. Recently, a producer came into the office and asked about sampling for soybean cyst nematodes because he had a field in areas not yield what he thought it should. This made me remember the importance of sampling for SCN and management strategies. A recent CropWatch article written by Dylan Mangel, Extension Plant Pathologist and Kyle Broderick, Extension Educator shared information on sampling for SCN which I will be sharing a summary of the article below.
The reason this pest is difficult to find is that it can cause up to 30% yield loss with no significant above-ground symptoms. This is why it is an invisible threat, and many producers don’t know they have SCN and not actively managing it in their fields. As of March 15, 2024, SCN has been identified in 60 Nebraska counties. There are options for managing SCN, but the first step is to identify which fields have SCN. The sampling procedure is outlined on the CropWatch article and is recommended to sample area where there is a less than expected yield, areas where soybeans might have appeared stunted, yellow and/or defoliated earlier than the rest of the field, low spots, previously flooded areas, field entryways, field border and finally areas where sudden death syndrome or brown stem rot developed. Samples will then be sent to UNL’s Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic.
If you have SCN, there are four broad management recommendations. The first is to rotate between resistant varieties. Secondly, it is recommended to rotate to a non-host crop. Fortunately, corn, wheat and alfalfa are non-hosts that work well with common Nebraska rotation. Rotation can help decrease the number of SCN in the soil. The third management recommendation is to consider the use of a nematode-protectant seed treatment. Finally, continue to monitor SCN populations and levels through testing to determine if your management is effective. Sampling should continue every two to three years.
Many producers are experiencing some yield loss to soybean cyst nematodes. Actively managing these populations will provide the opportunity to recover this yield. Some Extension Offices may have sample bags for free testing. For more information, go to cropwatch.unl.edu.
Upcoming Events:
December 3, 2024, registration at 12:30, program at 1pm – Farmers & Ranchers College will feature Dr. David Kohl with “Economic Realities in the Agricultural Industry: The Pulse.” At the Opera House in Bruning, NE.,
January 21, 2025, Cow/Calf College at U.S. Meat Animal Research Center near Clay Center
Questions or to register, call Fillmore Co. Extension at (402) 759-3712 or online at go.unl.edu/frcollege.
Views from VanDeWalle 