Check roots for SCN this growing season

Soybean Cyst Nematode is the leading yield-robber of North America’s soybean crop, causing more than $1.5 billion in annual losses. The SCN Coalition and Valent U.S.A. have partnered to bring awareness to the importance of active SCN management.

“Valent is pleased to partner with The SCN Coalition to bring attention to this devastating pest,” says Will Griffin, senior seed protection specialist with Valent U.S.A. “We are committed to helping farmers take the next steps toward their production goals by providing a balanced portfolio of products, practices and real-world recommendations.”

SCN infested fields may look healthy above ground, adult SCN females can be detected on roots as soon as six weeks after soybeans have emerged. Checking roots during the growing season can indicate if current SCN management tools are effective.

“Farmers can use a shovel to dig up soybean plants and then gently remove the soil around the roots,” says Sam Markell, North Dakota State University Plant Pathologist. “Females on roots are much smaller than nitrogen-fixing nodules and can be difficult to see. A hand lens and a flashlight can make it easier to detect females.”

Farmers who planted an SCN-resistant soybean variety but still detect females on roots are encouraged to test soil after harvest and talk to their trusted crop advisor or university extension specialist to evaluate SCN management strategies.

With the support of Valent, The SCN Coalition is ramping up educational efforts in July. Follow the Coalition on Twitter and Facebook to learn how SCN is overcoming the PI88788 source of resistance, why farmers should test their fields to know SCN numbers, the importance of rotating to non-host crops, why it’s critical to rotate SCN resistant varieties, and how a nematode-protectant seed treatment can offer another level of protection against SCN. Share pictures of your root checks on social media by tagging @TheSCNCoalition on Twitter and Facebook and by tagging @ValentUSA on Twitter and @WeAreValentUSA on Facebook.