Asian soybean rust is on nearly every grower’s “A List” this time of year, but don’t forget soybean cyst nematodes. Growers should scout regularly for this common, yet yield threatening pest.

Soybean nematodes

A well-known, common problem in the fields, soybean cyst nematodes can reduce yields by nearly 30 percent or more. Present on soybeans roots, this pest can be recognized by analyzing the root system of the plant.

Growers could confuse soybean cyst nematode damage with high pH levels or perhaps some other crop production problem such as nutrient deficiencies, compaction or other diseases. Visual symptoms on the roots, however, can give away the pest’s identity. These small objects on the soybean roots are the major feature growers need to identify. They are much smaller than nodules and are lemon shaped. It is important to scout fields for this pest because they may be present with no visual above-ground symptoms. Generally, once above-ground symptoms are observed, populations are quite high and it will mean more aggressive management.

Controlling the pest

Once established in a field soybean cyst nematodes are nearly impossible to eliminate. Soybean cyst nematodes can move through the soil only a few inches per year on their own, however, the pest can be spread substantial distances in a variety of ways. Anything that can move infested soil is capable of spreading soybean cyst nematode including farm machinery, wind, water, animals and farm workers.

As a practical matter, it becomes an issue of controlling the population of this pest. If growers have low levels of soybean nematode pressure, they should consider planting soybean nematode-resistant varieties the next year.

However, growers who detect higher levels of infestation will have to implement a more aggressive rotation strategy which would mean several years of continuous corn followed by a resistant variety. Any alternative crops that may be available would also help to reduce populations.

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