2021
Soybean Cyst Nematode Sampling Program 2020
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Contributor/Checkoff:
North Dakota Soybean Council
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
NematodePest
Parent Project:
Soybean Cyst Nematode Sampling Program: 2016
Lead Principal Investigator:
Samuel Markell, North Dakota State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
QSSB
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
North Dakota Soybean Council
$61,580
Institution Funded:
North Dakota State University
$61,580
Brief Project Summary:

Soybean cyst nematode is the most significant disease threat to soybean production in the United States. Soil sampling is the best way to initially detect SCN. Monitoring egg levels allows growers to evaluate how well their management tools are working. In 2013, the NDSC and NDSU developed a free sampling bag program to encourage growers to sample for SCN. Since 2013, over 4,000 samples have been submitted by North Dakota producers using this program. Maps generated from the project have served as a highly-leveraged tool to increase awareness of the expanding SCN problem. This project allows researchers to continue the sampling program.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, pathologists, extension specialists

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

1. Sample bags distributed to producers through County Extension offices, my office, field days and other areas convenient for producers to access them.
2. Maps of SCN distribution in the state. These will be distributed throughout winter and summer events, websites and media.

Final Project Results

Update:

View uploaded report Word file

Soybean Cyst Nematode Sampling Program: 2020
PI: Sam Markell, Ph.D.
Co-PI’s Guiping Yan, Ph.D.
Collaborators: Berlin Nelson, Ph.D., and NDSU County Extension Agents

Research Conducted:
This project is designed to encourage growers to soil sample for Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), the most damaging soybean pest in the United States. Growers submit soil samples to the partner laboratory in pre-labeled bags, the North Dakota Soybean Council covers the laboratory fees, and growers receive data directly through the mail. NDSU Extension receives egg level and geographic data to construct distribution maps (no additional information about submitters is obtained).

Why the Research is Important to ND Soybean Farmers:
This program provides an incentive and mechanism to sample for SCN by covering the laboratory fees. SCN causes damage before above-ground symptoms appear, making detection by soil sampling critical. Growers can use this sampling program to help determine if their management tools are working (resistance, rotation, seed treatments, etc).

Final Findings of the Research:
In 2020, 603 total SCN samples were received. Nematode eggs were detected in approximately 1/3 of the samples. Distribution maps from 2013 to 2020 (Figures 1) and 2020-only demonstrate that SCN is most common and in highest levels in the southeastern North Dakota (Figure 2).

Benefits/Recommendations to the North Dakota Soybean Farmers and Industry:
For growers who have not detected SCN before, we recommend that they concentrate on areas in the field where SCN is most likely to first be introduced, such as field entrances. For growers who know they have SCN, we recommend they soil sample to determine if current management strategies are working.

Acknowledgements:
We express our thanks to the many growers, Extension agents, crop consultants and others who participated in this program, to Michaela Halvorson for map construction, to Agvise for sample processing, and finally to the North Dakota Soybean Council for support.

[Captions for associated figures]
Figure 1. Distribution of soybean cyst nematode (eggs/100cc soil) in North Dakota received though the NDSC / NDSU Extension sampling program 2013-2020.

Figure 2. 2020-only distribution and egg level of soybean cyst nematode (eggs/100cc soil) in southeast and east central North Dakota received though the NDSC / NDSU Extension sampling program. Note of caution: SCN is very spotty in regions and fields, and heat maps (while visually appealing) do not have the resolution to reflect the presence or level of SCN in any specific fields.




The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.