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Nematode populations on the rise

More soybean cyst nematode resistant varieties are showing increased nematode populations.

Fred Warner, Nematologist with Michigan State University Diagnostic Services, says while 30 years ago any resistant variety would yield well, today that’s not the case. He says soil type testing last year on Michigan farms had concerning results.  “We found that 37 out of the 39 populations that we tested did very well on the resistance source PI 88788.”

In maturity groups 0-3, more than 800 soybean cyst nematode resistant varieties are sold commercially.  Warner says all but 15 of those varieties have a breeding line of resistance.

“So that means if you’ve developed a population of nematodes that develops very well on those 88788 lines, then you’re not going to have a lot of resistant varieties that are going to preform real, real well for you.”

Warner says farmers should soil type test their fields to monitor nematode resistance.

AUDIO: Interview with Fred Warner (3:05 mp3):