Managing Nematode Populations
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate SCN from a field once it has become established, something needs to be done to manage the nematodes in the field that will allow for a profitable crop.
Farmers have more than one option to consider to reduce nematode populations and maintain a high soybean yield. Some of the options may include:
- Rotating crops in each field (e.g. planting a different crop in a field each year, including SCN non-host crops like corn)
- Planting SCN resistant soybean varieties (soybeans that have a natural resistance to SCN)
- Planting soybean seeds that have been chemically or biologically treated to protect against SCN feeding
Remember that SCN populations are constantly adapting, so managing this problem requires some long-term planning. Consider the options and make a recommendation for Grainly Farms.
Weblinks: Managing SCN
Once SCN is in a farmer's field, there is no way to eliminate the pest. That said, there are ways to manage the nematode population to keep SCN numbers from increasing and to ensure soybean crops with profitable yields in future years. Explore the following websites and documents to research more about soybean cyst nematodes and ways of managing the problem.
- Soybean Research & Information Initiative: Soybean Cyst Nematode, North Central Soybean Research Program
- Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Guide, Fifth Edition, North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP)
- Soybean Cyst Nematode, Iowa State University
- Soybean Cyst Nematode Management, Iowa State University
