What is Soybean Cyst Nematode and How to Treat It?

The soybean cyst nematode or the heterodera cyst nematode is one more parasitic worm which is comparatively microscopic and has an extremely high potential to hamper the growth of the soybean plant as well as its yield. Living at the base of the shoet, it inhibits the growth of soybean plants and can result in major yield reduction. If you are experiencing this reality, then it is beneficial to learn about proper soybean cyst nematode control. Currently, there are cultural and chemical methods used globally, but people should embrace IPM approaches and find sustainable methods that deal with SCN and the environment in the long run.

What is soybean cyst nematode?

Many of us already know about this nematode, in short (SCN), and it is not something that sounds exciting. It is a threat to soybean crops, and it is not just another round parasitic worm. It makes its home in the soil. Being in soil, it quickly targets the roots of soybean plants. It causes huge economic losses by hampering the growth of the plant, reducing yield, and obviously hampering the crop quality. If you are curious, well, it is known as Heterodera glycines as far as its scientific name is concerned.

This infestation is usually dangerous. The affected plants may show a few above-ground symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing of foliage and a few other regular symptoms. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other minor issues while this infestation grows to become dangerous. If you check closely, protective structures are usually formed by the female nematodes during their life cycle. You can closely find them on the roots to catch this nematode problem.

The life cycle of this cyst nematode varies usually from several weeks to months very easily. It usually undergoes several developmental stages, including egg, juvenile, and adult stages. Female nematodes are quite horrible as they enter the roots of soybeans easily to make it their feeding place. They extract the required nutrients from the plant. It affects the quality and productivity of the soybean plant very easily.

Soybean cyst nematode which is scientifically known as heterodera cyst nematode​, is a disease that is found on the roots of soybeans. The cysts girdle the nematodes thereby affecting water and nutrient access resulting in growth inhibition and yellowing as well as reduced production. These pests prefer compacted soils and the spread through infected equipment that has been moved by water and wind. Soybean cyst nematode control includes rotating crops with non hosts, planting HSNR soybean varieties, and biocontrol methods for the soybean cyst nematode heterodera glycines​ without the use of pesticides that negatively impact beneficial organisms.

Soybean Cyst Nematode Control: Sustainable Management Using Nema Pro by Novobac

Among the major soybean diseases, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) poses a significant threat to the Midwestern soybean farmers; its impact that runs into several millions of dollars in billions. For the farmers in Iowa, Illinois and other neighboring states, this disease has assumed the status of a constant menace and had reduced yield and soil fertility levels acutely. There was one Illinois farmer who stared a continuous pressure from SCN for more than 10 years, and who used all possible ways to combat this parasitic nematode, but without much success. After battling recurring infestations and seeing crop production declines, he decided to try an innovative biological approach: Novobac’s Nema Pro.

The farmer had used crop rotation and resistant soybean varieties earlier, but SCN developed resistance and soybean yields declined and the productivity of his soil also decreased. Chemical nematicides were somewhat more effective but came with a set of problems that include chemical buildup in the soil, harm to beneficial creatures, and strict per-hectare application restrictions. Under the increasing pressure to go green, he researched biological control methods and select Nema Pro, an organic bio control product that is a nematode-parasitic fungi.

The compositions used in Nema Pro contain Paecilomyces lilacinus that is a natural occurring fungal organism which specifically impacts the nematodes eggs and juvenile stage and does not effect SCN reproductive cycle negatively while preserving the soils favourable microbial population. Using Nema Pro fertilizer, the farmer spread the product directly on his fields before preparing the land for planting so that it could mix evenly with the topsoil where the parasites thrive. This proactive treatment helped the good fungus to get a footing and start attacking the SCN eggs once they come out and thereby minimizing the population by the way the larvae could hatch and reproduce.

SCN resistance manifested in higher vigor and reduced stunting of roots within the first growing season, both common features associated with reduced presence of the nematode. In the next season, the farmer applied Nema Pro again especially in areas that was previously infested heavily. His soybean plants grew even healthier with bigger roots developed and less of the yellowing that is characteristic of an SCN affected plant. Mr. Schraudner’s Nema Pro option proved to remain relatively long in the soil to continue exerting fungal spore impacts the SCN whereas friendly microbes and soil fauna.

With farming done for two growing seasons, the farmer indicated an improvement in the yields of beans especially soybeans by 30 percent than before. He attributed this success to Nema Pro as the input that effectively controlled SCN populations while keeping environmental impacts of the chemical control methods. Chemical inputs cost reduction and the observed improved soil condition convinced him to embrace biological solutions as a permanent feature in his farming operations.

The success of Nema Pro has given life to the applicability of bio agents in combating SCN throughout the U.S. Midwest. To the soybean farmers suffering the impacts of SCN, this case study shows the role of investing in Nema Pro diagnostic tools as part of a nematode management program. As it has selective effect against eggs of nematodes and complies with sustainable farming principles, Nema Pro by Novobac is a powerful and environmentally friendly substitute to conventional ways of the control of SCN, allowing farmers to produce healthier crops and increase soil productivity for future yields.

How do you know if there is a nematode problem?

Usually, to identify if there is a soybean cyst nematode symptoms and problem, you need to do multiple things together. From a professional’s point of view, if you want to check, then you need to do field scouting and laboratory analysis and have some knowledge of the characteristic symptoms associated with this horrible cyst nematode infestation. You need to add up symptom monitoring and yield mapping, too, if you want to get accurate results. Knowing accurately about this disease is necessary if you want to avoid further damage this disease can do to your soybean plantation.

How often should you test for soybean cyst nematode?

The frequency of this dangerous nematode testing depends on many issues. If there is a presence of this cyst nematode in the region, cropping history, and management practices since ages, then you should be having a headache. Always prefer to test for this particular cyst nematode every three to four years so that you keep soil safe and get good production of soybean easily.

Regular soil sampling and testing is necessary. It is preferable to do cyst nematode infestations and provide valuable data for implementing effective management strategies. In regions where this particular nematode has been previously identified, the soil is always in problem. Prefer to check as frequently as possible and keep treating the soil consistently.

How to treat soybean cyst nematode?

Organic method for the treatment

The organic method to treat this dangerous nematode is very good if you look at the long-term option. First, know the soybean cyst nematode symptoms. After that you can look out for  control methods.

• Rotation of crops is necessary. Small grains like barley and wheat or grass legumes like oats and clover are good crops to be rotated with the soybean crops. These are suitable crops and help to avoid it.
• Cover crops like marigolds and sudangrass are good options. These crops can easily suppress the issues.
• Do soil amendment. Apply organic manure to improve the health of the soil. It improves the quality of the soil. With a diverse population of microbes, you can easily avoid this dangerous stuff.

Chemical method 

Chemical management of this coalition is very necessary for soybean cyst nematode control.  Know the methods to have this particular nematode in control. It involves the use of nematicides or soil-applied chemicals to reduce nematode populations. It can easily handle crop damage. 

Chemical treatments are commonly used in conventional agriculture. Chemical methods are good for the short term but not for the long term as environmental issues arise. Organic agriculture is usually preferred due to environmental and health concerns. Still, if you want a chemical solution and if it is necessary, the following methods are employed:

• Nematicides: Synthetic nematicides, such as organophosphates like ethoprop, carbamates like aldicarb, and fumigants like methyl bromide, are quick at reducing the populations in the soil. They directly kill them before they damage the soil very heavily.
• Seed Treatments: Seed treatments containing systemic nematicides, like abamectin or fluopyram, are applied directly to soybean seeds, and you do it before the plantion process starts. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant, and then you see the benefits in the whole cropping process.

The best way to treat soybean cyst nematode

Companies like Novobac are quite concerned about environmental issues, and that is why it has come up with Nema Pro, which is an amazing organic nematicide. It is helpful in controlling the parasitic nematodes, including the ones that attack soybean crops. It has a great active ingredient called Paecilomyces lilacinus. This targets the nematodes that harm the plants without attacking the beneficial insects. It can be used as an organic spray and controls harmful nematodes.

Organic nematicides for root knot nematode control

Treatment for soybean cyst nematode solutions is Nema Pro. It is seen as a breakthrough product for soybean cyst nematode control. It not only attacks the eggs, juveniles, and adult root knot nematodes but also promotes strengthening of the roots and their growth. Novobac is the best nematicide products manufacturer if you are looking for root knot nematode control. This nematicide does not only target root knot disease but also dagger, stunt, leison, cyst, and ring. Apply 3 to 4.5 kg of Nema Pro with its active ingredient Paecilomyces Iilacinus to get the best results. It depends on the plantation population too. You should reapply every 28 days in the planting season for the best results.

Nema Pro fungicide is also effective for root knot nematode. You can check our blog by clicking on the link.

Benefits of using Nema Pro

•       Suppresses and controls the root knot nematodes.
•       Increases the crop yield and the quality of the crops easily.
•       Improves the strength of the roots so that they can hold the nutrients available in the soil.
•       Does not have any leftover residues or side-effects.

Conclusion

Novobac with Nema Pro has come up with the best solution to control soybean cyst nematode damage. Paecilomyces lilacinus is the active ingredient that helps to fight this horrible disease without hampering the environment. If you are looking for sustainable growth without affecting the soil and surrounding, then you should try out this amazing product from Novobac.

References:

1. Bernard, E. C., L. H. Self, and D. D. Tyler. “Fungal parasitism of soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines (Nemata: Heteroderidae), in differing cropping-tillage regimes.” Applied Soil Ecology 5.1 (1997): 57-70.
2. Sivakumar, T., P. Balabaskar P. Renganathan, and K. Sanjeevkumar. “Bio efficacy of bio-nematon (Paecilomyces lilacinus 1.15% wp) against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in cucumber crop.” Plant Arch 20.2 (2020): 3805-3810.