Soybean cyst nematode can be found across the Red River Valley. BASF Seed Treatment Technical Field Representative Troy Bauer says farmers should check for the pathogen with a soil test. “A lot of times farmers can have a 30 percent yield reduction from SCN without ever seeing any symptoms,” says Bauer. “Farmers need to look at soybean roots for adult females. They look like tiny, lemon shaped bodies. They are cream colored and later turn yellow as they form to a cyst.” It can be difficult to diagnose SCN. Bauer says sometimes above ground symptoms can be confused with compaction or nutrient deficiencies. Growers can use a seed treatment, like ILeVO, to alleviate symptoms of SCN and a disease called Sudden Death Syndrome. “ILeVO seed treatment has been tried for many years. The product can provide an average yield increase of 4.7 bushels an acre and a positive yield response 84 percent of the time.”
