FEEL - Soybean Cyst Nematode Clinic

August 5, 2008

• Registration 8:30 am
• Program 9:00 am - 5:15 pm
• CCA: 6.5 pest management
• Class size limit: 40
• Registration fee: $145
• Online registration is now open.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a widespread and very serious soybean pest in Iowa. Until 2005, it had been several years since widespread, devastating losses from SCN had occurred in the state. This clinic will consist of discussion of a wide range of topics relating to the biology and management of SCN. There also will be hands-on activities and live specimens of the various nematode life stages and infected soybean plants. A review of resources available to agricultural professionals about SCN will conclude the session. This clinic is appropriate for agricultural professionals who advise soybean growers in Iowa and other states in the Midwest.

Specific topics to be discussed include

• Biology-life cycle, aspects of feeding site, mating and sexual reproductio, egg hatching, host plants, dissemination
• Symptoms-occurrence, look-alike symptoms, absence of symptoms, timing of appearance
• Scouting methods-digging roots, soil sampling
• Extracting from soil samples-extracting eggs vs. cysts, techniques, hands-on lab activities and observations
• Non-host crops-cover and trap crops, mechanisms, population dynamics
• Using SCN-resistant varieties-sources of resistance, available varieties, blends, effects on yield and SCN population densities, rotation of resistant sources, variety trial testing
• Interactions-soil pH, brown stem rot, sudden death syndrome, soybean aphid

Instructors

• Greg Tylka, extension nematologist
• Thomas Baum, research nematologist
• Palle Pedersen, extension soybean specialist