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Watch for signs of SCN

Growers should be on the lookout for signs of Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN).

Iowa State University professor of plant pathology Greg Tylka says SCN populations eb and flow with the weather.

“Earlier this year, in Iowa for example, I think we had the hottest May on record.  And I saw soybean cyst nematode females on the roots earlier than I ever have in my 28-year career at Iowa State University.”

He tells Brownfield frequent rains in June probably delayed the second generation of nematodes, which should help offset populations.

Tylka urges all Midwestern farmers to dig roots about five to six weeks after planting.

“Look for the little white females.  The other way to (scout for SCN) is to take the trusted soil sample and send it to a university or private laboratory that does the SCN test.”

He calls the parasitic roundworm a hidden yield robber that must be managed by rotating different resistant varieties and non-host crops like corn and wheat, incorporating seed treatments.

Tylka also recommends monitoring SCN numbers every second or third soybean crop.