Farm Progress

Event will offer a management workshop on soybean cyst nematode resistance.

May 24, 2018

3 Min Read
NEMATODES: The white, round objects coming out of this soybean root are soybean cyst nematode females.Angela Tenney, MSU.

Soybean cyst nematode is recognized as a key limiting factor in Michigan soybean production, and local nematode populations are becoming highly aggressive.

As a result, a national Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance Management Coalition has been launched to provide information about resistance management. The coalition consists of more than 30 agribusiness, grower organization and state partners.

Michigan State University is inviting agribusiness professionals to a Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance Management Workshop for Agribusiness 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 20 at the Mason Technology Center, 474 S. Onondaga Road in Mason.

The objective of the meeting is to provide agribusiness representatives with information about the coalition and procedures for soybean cyst nematode resistance management in preparation for the 2019 sales and growing seasons. Soil health in relation to nematodes will also be covered.

The keynote speaker, Albert Tenuta of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, works closely with agribusinesses. Details about the coalition can be found at the Soybean Cyst Nematode Coalition website.

Soybean cyst nematode damage
Soybean cyst nematode is the most destructive soybean pathogen. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is a sedentary endoparasite that was first detected in Michigan in 1987 and has since spread. It is known to exist in soybean-producing counties south of Clare. More soybeans are being grown in Michigan’s northern counties, so growers in that area should monitor fields closely.

Soybean cyst nematode is easier to manage if detected early. This pest often causes yield reductions of 5% to 30% and can cause up to 80% yield loss if susceptible varieties are planted in a highly infested field. Soybean cyst nematode reduces the number of pods per plant, the number of beans per pod and is responsible for approximately $40 million in yield losses each year.

Once soybean cyst nematode has infected a field, juvenile soybean cyst nematode will seek out and penetrate soybean roots, causing a feeding site to develop. Females will continue to feed from this site until adulthood and will release eggs in a jelly-like substance during this time. When the female dies, her body becomes a lemon-shaped protective case (cyst) for her eggs. This cyst can remain in the soil up to 10 years until a host stimulates the release of juveniles from the eggs within.

A single female can produce as many as 200 eggs per cyst. The life cycle of soybean cyst nematode can be completed in as little as 30 days, allowing for multiple generations per growing season.

Aboveground symptoms, such as stunted and yellowed plants, are not unique to soybean cyst nematode and are often overlooked or attributed to other causes, such as nutrient deficiencies. Soybean cyst nematode is usually not evenly distributed in the soil, which can further impede detection.

The most accurate way to diagnose an infestation is through identifying juveniles and cysts from a soil or root sample. The Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee provides support for growers to submit samples for identification. Submit samples to Michigan State University Diagnostics Services.

In addition to regular soil testing, management practices that are typically recommended for soybean cyst nematode-infested fields include planting resistant varieties, rotating sources of resistance, rotating with non-host crops, controlling weeds and maintaining clean farm equipment to avoid further spread. However, there are limitations to these strategies.

Research suggests that soybean cyst nematode is now able to reproduce on resistant varieties due to the extensive use of the PI88788 source of resistance. Rotate sources of resistance and keep soybean cyst nematode numbers low in the field to maintain effectiveness of resistant varieties.

Crops in rotation with soybeans must be carefully chosen to ensure they are not also hosts of soybean cyst nematode. Because of this, avoid other legumes such as hairy vetch, field pea, red clover, etc.

Certain weed species can also be hosts of soybean cyst nematode, so weed management programs should be implemented. See Winter Annual Weeds and Soybean Cyst Nematode Management by Purdue University Extension for more information.

Source: MSU Extension

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