By Jamie Martin
Soybean farmers have a valuable opportunity after harvest to identify hidden pests that may be reducing crop performance. Plant-parasitic nematodes can cause significant yield losses while showing few or no aboveground symptoms, making soil testing an important management tool.
To help growers address this challenge, new Soybean Nematode Management Guides offer science-based recommendations for detecting and managing the most common nematode threats in soybean production. The guides provide practical information that can help farmers strengthen crop management plans and improve profitability.
"Protecting soybean yield starts with knowing what's in your fields, and these guides put that knowledge directly in farmers' hands," said Laurie Isley, United Soybean Board director and Michigan farmer. "As a farmer, I know how much an invisible pest like SCN can cost you before you ever see a symptom above ground. This is exactly the kind of practical, science-based tool your checkoff investment is meant to deliver."
The resources cover four important nematode groups: soybean cyst nematode, root-knot nematode, root lesion nematode, and reniform nematode. These pests affect soybean crops differently, but all have the potential to reduce yields and increase economic losses when left unmanaged.
Recent surveys indicate that while many farmers recognize soybean cyst nematode and root-knot nematode, other damaging species are often less understood. The findings also show that a large number of growers still depend on visible plant symptoms rather than laboratory testing to identify infestations.
"Thanks to efforts from The SCN Coalition, soybean farmers have been exposed to active SCN management messages, but nematode pressure doesn't stop there," said Dylan Mangel, plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He added, "Addressing these lesser-known and still damaging nematode species helps farmers close information gaps and take a more comprehensive approach to protect yield from nematodes. It's also an opportunity for the Coalition to expand its reach and impact."
Agronomists recommend soil sampling immediately after harvest because it provides the most accurate picture of nematode populations before the next growing season begins. Early detection allows farmers to make strategic decisions and select management practices suited to field conditions.
"An integrated approach using multiple active management strategies can keep nematode populations low and protect soybean yield," said Horacio Lopez-Nicora, soybean pathologist and nematologist at The Ohio State University. "By adopting a proactive, informed management plan and using the practices found in these management guides, farmers can reduce plant-parasitic nematode pressure and help protect soybean yield and overall crop productivity."
Recommended approaches include planting resistant varieties, rotating crops, using nematode-protectant seed treatments, and improving overall root health through sound agronomic practices. Combining multiple management tools has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce nematode pressure.
Visit https://www.thescncoalition.com/field-guides/ to access the Soybean Nematode Management Guides.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: National