The SCN Coalition is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of soybean checkoff, private companies and universities, whose mission is to help soybean growers reduce yield loss from highly aggressive populations of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) that developed from overuse of a single source of SCN resistance (PI 88788). The objective of this project (Tode Load Tool and Tode Load Tour project - 2312-209-0101) was to develop and deliver a field-specific tool that soybean growers (and other soybean stakeholders) can use to understand the economic threat that SCN presents to their fields. Over the last year, the “SCN Profit Checker” tool was developed, tested, refined and published (Deliverable 1). Briefly, growers or their advisors enter in location, egg count, Female Index, and sand content and pH of soil. If Female Index is not known, a state specific default (based on scientific field surveys) is entered. An output of expected percent yield loss from SCN is calculated for each specific field. A coordinated program to increase stakeholder engagement (Deliverable 2) was accomplished with social media materials, promotion videos, a webpage (https://www.thescncoalition.com/profitchecker/), infographic, social media campaign, digital ads, a press release announcing the debut of the SCN Profit Checker, and a recorded an interview that was distributed to NAFB broadcasters (picked up by numerous sources). Potential impressions garners during the engagement program far exceed one million. In aggregate, results of SCN Coalition activities in FY2023 included; news releases generating 3.8 million potential online impressions in ag media consisting of 4.9% of the share of SCN discussion, 1,567,469 impressions in Twitter, 2,877,584 impressions in Facebook, 459,540 impressions in LinkedIn, 55,260 new visitors to thescncoalition.com, a first place award at the regional NAMA ceremony, a second place award (Merit Award) at the national NAMA ceremony, and leveraged support for other activities such as National Nematode Day, marketing and communication efforts.

The “SCN Profit Checker” is the first tool that provides a field-specific estimate of the economic loss soybean growers may experience due to SCN. Growers and their advisors can use this information to make the best management decisions for their farm by evaluation the cost / benefit relationship of crop rotation, rotation of soybean genetics and consideration of seed treatment nematicide. This tool will give growers increased confidence on the return on investment made for SCN management and facilitate a reduction in losses from the most yield-limiting pathogen of soybeans in the U.S.