What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The SCN Coalition, in collaboration with Syngenta, Indigo, and BASF, has declared today as National Nematode Day to highlight the threat posed by soybean cyst nematode (SCN) to soybean yields in North America. SCN is recognized as the leading yield-robbing pathogen for soybeans, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in yield losses annually. Despite the absence of visible symptoms in fields, yield losses may still occur undetected. Dylan Mangel, an Extension plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska, noted that increased rainfall this year might obscure symptoms, making it harder for growers to detect yield losses associated with SCN. Soil testing for SCN is crucial, especially as the pest shows growing resistance to PI-88788, the most common source of SCN resistance in soybean seeds. Soil samples should be taken at the end of the soybean season for accurate results, particularly in fields with varying landscapes or high pH levels.
Why It's Important?
The awareness raised by National Nematode Day is significant for soybean producers, as SCN poses a substantial threat to their yields and economic returns. With SCN's resistance to traditional management methods increasing, it is vital for farmers to adopt new strategies and tools to mitigate its impact. The introduction of new management tools, such as BASF's Nemasphere and Syngenta's Victrato seed treatment, offers promising solutions to enhance yield potential and protect against nematode damage. These advancements could lead to improved soybean productivity and profitability, benefiting the agricultural industry and contributing to food security. Effective management of SCN is crucial for sustaining soybean production and supporting the livelihoods of farmers across North America.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, BASF plans to stack the Nemasphere trait with the Enlist E3 herbicide tolerance trait, aiming for market availability by 2028, pending regulatory approval. Syngenta's Victrato seed treatment is under regulatory review by the EPA and promises protection against various nematode species and early-season suppression of foliar soybean diseases. As SCN's resistance to PI88788 continues to rise, integrated management practices, including crop rotation and the use of alternate resistance genes, will be essential to prolong the effectiveness of new and existing tools. Farmers are encouraged to test their soils regularly and utilize resources like the SCN Profit Checker to estimate yield loss risks and adapt their management strategies accordingly.
Beyond the Headlines
The ongoing battle against SCN highlights broader issues in agricultural pest management, including the need for sustainable practices and the development of innovative solutions to combat resistance. The collaboration between industry leaders and research institutions underscores the importance of collective efforts in addressing agricultural challenges. As new technologies emerge, ethical considerations regarding genetic modification and environmental impact will continue to shape the discourse around agricultural innovation. Long-term stewardship of management tools is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability, requiring farmers to balance immediate yield gains with the preservation of resistance sources for future generations.
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