By Scout Nelson
According to plant pathology specialist Madalyn Shires from South Dakota State University, harvest season is the ideal time to test for soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). While soybean yield losses from SCN haven’t been precisely measured, soil samples indicate high pest numbers.
Shires explains that drought conditions have likely allowed SCN populations to reproduce more rapidly. "I’m betting that our populations have probably had extra cycles of reproduction due to the drought and heat," she said. While yield losses are expected, exact figures aren’t available yet.
Shires urge farmers to perform SCN testing during harvest. Testing can start as early as mid-August and continue until the ground freezes. “Once the ground freezes, we recommend not sampling again until mid-spring to early summer,” she added.
The Soybean Checkoff, through the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, covers the costs of SCN testing. This includes HG testing, which helps assess nematode resistance levels. “We pull those plants out, rinse them, and count the cysts to determine resistance,” Shires explained.
Other soybean issues this season include scattered reports of sudden death syndrome in northern South Dakota, where cooler weather persisted longer into the season. Shires also noted that while brown stem rot has been a minor concern, leaf spot diseases are minimal due to drought conditions. However, white mold remains an issue, particularly in the eastern part of the state.
With nematode populations rising, farmers are encouraged to test their fields and take preventive measures to protect soybean yields.
Photo Credit:istock-ds70
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Weather