Update:
View uploaded report 
2016 – 2017 Executive Summary June 30, 2016
Soybean Cyst Nematode Sampling Program: 2016
PI: Sam Markell, Ph.D.
Co-PI’s Guiping Yan, Ph.D.
Collaborators: Berlin Nelson, Ph.D., and NDSU County Extension Agents
What is the objective of this project?
The goals of this project is to provide an incentive to growers to sample for SCN and to create a map of SCN distribution. Both objectives are designed to increase awareness about SCN.
Why is this research is important to farmers?
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is the most important yield-limiting disease threat to soybean production in the United States and was first identified in North Dakota in 2003. SCN can cause very high levels of yield loss but reasonably effective management tools are available. However, management tools are most effective if SCN is identified shortly after entering a field (or region) and before egg levels reach epidemic levels; this can be done by soil sampling.
In order to encourage growers to sample for SCN, NDSU and the NDSC began a sampling program in 2013. The program covers the cost of the SCN laboratory tests, gets the growers SCN egg level data and facilitates the development of a distribution map with ‘anonymous’ data. Distribution of cost-free SCN sampling bags has had great buy-in among North Dakota growers. Additionally, secondary benefits of this program have occurred, including the increased coffee-talk about SCN, many press interviews and importantly, a significant amount of positive press for the NDSC and its mission to serve the ND growers.
How is this project conducted?
Soybean Cyst Nematode sample bags were obtained from Agvise in July 2016. Bags were labeled with distinct yellow tags containing funding and identification numbers. Bags and accompanying instruction/submission forms were distributed to every Extension County office in early August. The number of bags distributed was roughly proportional to acreage (i.e., Richland County received more bags than Divide County). Bags were also distributed though the NDSU Plant Pathology Department, the NDSC Research Directors office, field days, NDSU Research Extension Centers and any other means appropriate. To advertise the availability of the program, multiple radio interviews were delivered, NDSU Crop and Pest Reports were written and other advertising was done.
Upon receipt, Agvise processes the samples and sends results thought the U.S. mail back to the submitter. Dr. Markell receives geographic data points and egg levels and construct a map of SCN egg levels and distribution in the state. No personal information will be used.
What are the results?
In 2016, 531 SCN samples were submitted through the North Dakota sampling program. Samples were received from 36 North Dakota counties. Of submitted samples 153 were called ‘positive’, having an egg level of at least 50 eggs/100cc. Low level positives accounted for approximately half of the samples received. Twenty samples had an egg level in excess of 10,000 egg/100cc and the highest egg level found in 2016 was 51,650 egg/100cc from a location in Traill County. Since the in beginning of the sampling program in 2013 over 2,000 samples have been submitted from the majority of counties in North Dakota, of which approximately 1/3 have been identified as positive (at least 50 eggs/100cc).