The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) remains one of the most damaging soybean pathogens affecting soybean production in Ohio. Because significant yield losses can occur without visible symptoms, soil sampling remains the only reliable way to determine whether SCN is present and at what levels. Knowing your SCN numbers is critical for selecting effective management strategies and protecting soybean yield potential.
Spring, before planting, is an excellent time to sample fields for SCN. These samples can help identify fields with SCN, estimate population densities before the season begins, and guide management decisions for the current and following years. If soil samples are already being collected for fertility analysis, a subsample can also be used for SCN testing.
We recommend collecting 15 to 20 soil cores, 8 inches (20 cm) deep, using a cylindrical soil probe approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter for every 20-acre (8-ha) area. Collect cores in a zig-zag pattern across areas with similar soil texture and cropping history. Thoroughly mix the soil cores to create a composite sample and place approximately 1 pint (0.5 L) of soil into a labeled plastic bag. Keep samples cool and out of direct sunlight and ship them to the laboratory as soon as possible.
TAKE ACTION: Support from the Ohio Soybean Council allows The Ohio State University Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab to process up to two soil samples per grower free of charge for SCN testing. Download and complete this Soil Sample Submission Form and mail your samples to:
OSU Soybean Pathology and Nematology Lab
Attn: Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Ph.D.
110 Kottman Hall
2021 Coffey Rd.
Columbus, OH 43210
lopez-nicora.1@osu.edu
We also encourage growers and crop advisers to review the newly released Soybean Nematode Management Guides developed through The SCN Coalition, which provide practical recommendations for sampling, diagnosis, and integrated nematode management:
Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Guide
Soybean cyst nematode eggs containing juveniles.
Soybean cyst nematode infective second-stage juvenile (J2).
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