Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) continues to be the biggest yield-robbing pest in soybeans, and a recent Iowa State Univ. study shows deterioration of resistance with the most widely used SCN resistance variety — PI 88788. So, Iowa State Univ. nematologist Greg Tylka, what can farmers do to fight it?

“To summarize the management (strategies for controlling SCN) — resistance soybeans, either 88788 or Peking or both alternating, then rotating with corn. During your soybean years, you can put a seed treatment on there, and many of them have provided yield protection of pretty good frequency. If you have a use for cover crops, and I mean a conservation use, you may get some added benefit of SCN control there, but it’s not a guarantee.”

Greg says studies have shown that daikon radish, cereal rye and annual ryegrass can help lower SCN numbers in some situations.  

Watch the full Video of this episode of Conservation Ag Update.