Nematode management updates on Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
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EmailThe MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast Series on August 14 features nematode management updates for identification and management in field crops.
A handful of soil can contain thousands of microscopic organisms called nematodes. Despite their tiny size, nematodes play a vital role in the soil ecosystem where our crops grow. Some nematodes benefit plant health, other nematodes are enemies to the plant world. Harmful nematodes feed on plant roots, creating wounds and making plants more susceptible to infection and significantly hindering plant health and growth.
One of the most damaging nematodes to Michigan field crops is soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines. Soybean cyst nematode is the leading cause of soybean yield loss in North America, responsible for over $40 million in annual economic losses in Michigan alone.
With fall fast approaching, now is the time to learn about nematode management updates at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on Aug. 14 with Marisol Quintanilla, PhD, associate professor and Extension nematologist at Michigan State University. Quintanilla’s research focus is discovering solutions to plant parasitic nematodes in Michigan’s field crops, soybean, wheat, potato and sugarbeets. Quintanilla will discuss how manure (poultry) shows promise in suppressing soybean cyst nematode along with other nematodes.
Michigan State University Extension climatologist Jeff Andresen will present a 15-minute weather summary and forecast. A question-and-answer period will follow. Other Michigan State University Extension specialists and educators will be available for discussion.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions from the MSU Extension field crops team are held every week during the growing season via Zoom. The Virtual Breakfast series keeps attendees informed of in-season updates and issues of concern for field crops. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m., March through September 2025. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom link 5 minutes prior to the start time to ensure connectivity and receive announcements. The first half of each session includes a timely presentation from a topic expert and the weekly weather forecast. The second half of each session includes time for Q&A’s and updates with MSU specialists and educators.
Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A call-in by phone option is also available but note that you will only hear the audio portion.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available most weeks for live attendees.
Participants must sign up to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast. You only need to do this once and you will receive the Zoom link and call-in phone number, as well as weekly reminders every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants receiving emails can opt out at any time.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, only the live session will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the following MSU Extension field crops team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X.
If you are unable to sign up online, call the Montcalm County MSU Extension office at 989-831-7500 .
Follow @MSUEFieldCrops on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X for breaking news.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no 2024-70006-43569] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
