Soybean cyst nematode or SCN is the most damaging pest of soybean in North America.  While it has not yet been found in all soybean-producing areas, soybean cyst nematodes are hardy and will survive anywhere soybeans are produced in South Dakota.  In fact they survive in North Dakota and northern Minnesota. SCN often reduces average yields by as much as fifty percent for some South Dakota situations.

The first and most important step in management of SCN is identification.  Soil sampling is a means of determining both the presence of the nematode as well as its population levels.  Fall sampling allows adequate time to employ SCN management techniques, but soil sampling at anytime can be useful.

We would like to help you make educated crop management decisions concerning SCN for the next growing season.  The SDSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic is again offering SCN testing free of charge for South Dakota growers.  Soil Sample Information Sheet and soil sampling bags can be picked up at the SDSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic.  Copies may be made of the information sheet and free soil bags are available any time upon request.  Mailing information can be found at http://www.sdstate.edu/ps/plant-clinic/index.cfm.  The diagnostic fees associated with the testing have been paid through a grant from the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

For more information on SCN you can go to http://www.planthealth.info for updated “Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Guide”.  The guide is provided by the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) and the Cooperative Extension Service.  You can also logon to www.soybean.org for related soybean information.