As soybeans across Ohio progress through V5, R1, and R3 growth stages, now is a great opportunity for growers to walk their fields and scout for early symptoms of disease and other abnormalities. At these stages, fields are still relatively easy to walk through, making it an ideal time to observe plant health and collect soil samples for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) testing.
What to Look For:
While walking fields and collecting soil samples, keep an eye out for:
- Dead or dying plants – especially in patches or along rows.
- Stem lesions and root rot – early indicators of disease that can escalate under favorable conditions.
- Foliar symptoms – such as yellowing, browning, or spotting on leaves. At the R3 stage, most fungicide applications are being made, so scouting now is essential to determine whether a fungicide is needed based on disease presence and pressure.
- Uneven growth or stunting – especially in fields with a history of SCN, warrants digging plants and checking roots for reduced mass or visible cysts. Knowing if SCN is present is the first step in managing it. Watch this video to learn how to check roots for SCN females.
Scouting now helps guide in-season decisions and informs future variety and treatment choices. Early detection is key to managing disease outbreaks and protecting yield. Walk your fields, scout for symptoms, and submit samples to the Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab at Ohio State.
For more information on how to submit a sample to our lab, click HERE.
SCN Sampling – Take Advantage of Free Testing
With wheat harvest wrapping up and double-crop soybeans going in, this is also an ideal time to collect soil samples for SCN testing. Sampling now provides a snapshot of SCN populations before they potentially increase later in the season.
With funding from the Ohio Soybean Council and in collaboration with The SCN Coalition, we are offering to process up to TWO soil samples per Ohio grower for SCN testing free of charge. We're excited to assist you in this important task.
This is a great opportunity to monitor SCN levels and adjust management strategies accordingly.
How to Sample for SCN
- Collect soil cores: Use a soil probe to take 15–20 cores, 6–8 inches deep, in a zigzag pattern across the field or targeted area.
- Mix thoroughly: Combine the cores in a clean bucket to create a representative sample.
- Bag and label: Place about 1 pint of mixed soil into a labeled plastic bag.
- Keep cool and ship promptly: Store samples in a cool place and send them to the lab as soon as possible.
- Learn more: Visit The SCN Coalition for detailed guidance on SCN sampling and management strategies.
Download and complete the Soil Sample Submission Form and mail your samples to:
OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology LabÂ
Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Ph.D.
110 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Rd. Â
Columbus, Ohio 43210
lopez-nicora.1@osu.edu