Auburn University

SCN is an important pest in Alabama:

  • SCN has been detected in over 5% of soybean fields in Alabama.
  • Yield losses of over 30% have been associated with SCN.
  • SCN can be present in fields without causing obvious symptoms; yield losses can be underestimated.
  • Management consists of providing conditions for good plant health, sanitation, crop rotation using SCN-resistant varieties in combination with non-hosts, and nematicides, when economical.

SCN Management Recommendations

There are multiple tactics for managing SCN:

  • Crop rotation with non-host crops is the primary management practice
  • Soybean variety rotation for resistance to nematodes
  • Nematicide options
  • Sanitation
  • Improving plant health through good crop management (i.e. fertility, avoiding compacted soils)

Soil testing tips:

  • Sample in areas with poor yields and stunted plants
  • Sample after harvest in the fall
  • Sample every 2-3 years as preventive care, or annually if you have nematodes
  • Mail samples to:
    • Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
      ALFA Services Building
      961 South Donahue Drive
      Auburn University, AL 36849-5624
    • A $10.00 fee is required for each sample

What to know about rotating different resistant varieties:

  • Know if your fields have SCN, Root knot, or Reniform nematodes
  • Alternate use of varieties that contain SCN resistance — even if it’s from the same genetic source

 

 

What to know about rotating different sources of resistance:

  • Soybeans have SCN resistance from one of three genetic sources — Peking, PI 88788 or PI 437654 (Hartwig or CystX)
  • Rotate them to improve long-term management of SCN
  • SCN resistance does not give you control of Root knot nematodes

What to know about rotating to non-host crops:

  • Non-host crops are best for lowering nematode populations
  • Cotton and corn are not hosts for SCN
  • Corn, grain sorghums, and peanuts are not a host for reniform nematodes

Nematode-protectant seed treatments:

  • Avicta Complete Bean combines a nematicide with a fungicide and insecticide. Effective on all nematodes.
  • Ilevo is a nematicide/fungicide. Effective on all nematodes and SDS.
  • Poncho/Votivo is a biological with a chemical insecticide. Effective on all nematodes.
  • Clariva Complete Bean is a biological with a fungicide and insecticide but is effective on SCN only.

Other “need to knows” about SCN:

  • If you do not have nematodes in a field, keep it clean.
  • Do not move farm equipment from an SCN-infested field to a non-infested field without thoroughly cleaning (i.e. pressure washing) the equipment.
  • Nematodes cannot be eliminated, but they can be managed.

Auburn University Experts

Kathy Lawrence

Kathy Lawrence

Nematologist

Auburn University

lawrekk@auburn.edu

334-844-1956

Ed Sikora

Ed Sikora

Plant Pathologist

Auburn University

sikorej@auburn.edu

334-332-7433

Other SCN Management Resources