The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is the major plant-parasitic nematode in US soybean production. SCN causes losses of up to 60% in susceptible cultivars, and often, losses of up to 30% occur without showing noticeable aboveground symptoms. Over the past decades, SCN has consistently ranked as the number one pathogen causing yield losses to Illinois farmers.
A significant portion of the genetic resistance available in commercial varieties is currently derived from the same source (PI-88788), leading to the selection of SCN populations capable of reproducing on these varieties. However, management practices such as crop rotation and the use of cover crops hold promise in managing these resistant populations, while also offering numerous benefits to soil health and erosion control.
Growers integrate cover crops in soybean production systems to reduce soil degradation and enhance the sustainability of crop production systems, enhancing soil chemical, physical, and biological properties. As cover crops become more adopted through Illinois soybean fields, it is essential to investigate how SCN populations respond to cover crop species and varieties across different Illinois locations. Looking into SCN populations in the long-term research field will also better simulate growing conditions experienced by Illinois growers.