2021 Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) sampling in dry beans

Abstract

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is a minute roundworm like parasite that is a major pest of soybeans and is considered the pest of greatest economic concern. It has multiple hosts including dry beans and can cause comparable damage in dry beans. The presence of SCN is difficult to detect in fields without a soil test. The above ground symptoms are often not present but still result in a 10-30% loss in yield. When symptoms are present (yellowing and stunting), they can be confused as a nutrient deficiency, herbicide damage or attributed to drought. We surveyed thirteen dry bean fields in six different counties and detected SCN in nine of the fields. We also used an electrical conductivity (EC) meter to map three of the fields and target sampling based on those EC reading.