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SCREENING COVER CROPS FOR MANAGING SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODE AND OTHER NEMATODES IN INFESTED SOILS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
NORTH DAKOTA SOYBEAN COUNCIL
JUNE 2020
Dr. Guiping Yan, Principal Investigator, Dept. Plant Pathology, NDSU
Co-investigators: Dr. Marisol Berti, Dept. Plant Science, NDSU and Dr. Samuel Markell, Dept. Plant Pathology, NDSU
Research Conducted
Twenty-five entries including 21 cover crops and species, corn and wheat as rotational crops, and two susceptible soybean cultivars were evaluated for host range in a growth chamber with two SCN populations from two soybean fields in ND. Ten cover crops were further evaluated in microplot experiments. Crops were planted in pots each containing 5 kg of infested field soil. After 75 days of growth, soil samples were collected from each pot. SCN eggs and other plant-parasitic nematodes were extracted and counted for evaluation of each crop for population reduction.
Why the research is important to ND soybean farmers
SCN is one of the major yield-reducing pests of soybean in ND. Host resistance and crop rotation are common practices to manage SCN, but limited sources of resistance to this nematode put pressure on virulence change in populations to overcome resistance. Thus, an integrated management strategy is necessary for sustainable management of SCN. Cover crops may reduce plant-parasitic nematode populations and provide an alternative means to manage SCN.
Final findings of the research
Eighteen entries (Alfalfa, Balansa clover, Berseem clover, Brown mustard, Daikon radish, Faba beans, Flax, Forage oat, Japanese millet, Oilseed radishes (Concorde, Control and Image), Pennycress, Sunnhemp, White mustard, White proso millet, Winter camelina) did not support any SCN reproduction, suggesting non-hosts. Chickling vetch and Crambe showed low reproduction as poor-hosts while White lupine showed some reproduction, suggesting a suitable host. SCN reproduced less in all tested crops compared to two susceptible soybean cultivars. All ten cover crops significantly reduced the population of SCN 103 compared to non-planted natural soil (fallow) whereas only Sunnhemp significantly reduced the population of SCN 2W . Sunnhemp, Alfalfa, Oilseed radishes, Daikon radish, and Faba bean (Petite) were more effective than others for population reduction. None of the crops significantly reduced populations of other nematodes in infested soil.
Benefits/Recommendations to North Dakota soybean farmers and industry
Eighteen cover crops and species were identified as non-hosts for SCN. All ten cover crops tested in microplot conditions were able to suppress two SCN populations from two different fields of North Dakota. These crops have the potential to be used as cover crops or rotational crops in infested fields to reduce SCN numbers. The research findings will be useful to navigate the selection and use of cover crops for farmers to reduce SCN damage to increase soybean yield in infested fields.