Kentucky IPM Pest Information Pages
Soybean Cyst Nematode
Depending on the level of infestation, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) can cause yield losses ranging from 0 to 80 percent. Yield damage, even when severe, is usually not associated with any visible symptoms. Farmers cannot tell that SCN is reducing yields until crop harvest. At that time, low yields are frequently blamed on problems other than SCN. Consistent, moderate damage by SCN may not even be noticed by producers, since acceptable yields may be obtained even though higher yields may be possible.
The feeding and growth of female nematodes in roots damage
plants by the removal of essential
plant nutrients from root cells and the disruption of the
nutrient and water transport system in the
root. SCN also damages plants by reducing the production
of nitrogen-fixing nodules and by
encouraging other diseases that affect root systems.
This site was created and is maintained by Pat Dillon, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, S-225 Agricultural Science Ctr North, Lexington, KY USA 40546-0091 (phone: 859/257-3571). Please send questions or suggestions to: email@example.com