Soybean cyst nematode field meeting planned for Aug. 8 in Fairgrove

Learn how soybean cyst nematodes are overcoming resistance in soybeans and what you can do about it.

Soybean roots with soybean cyst nematode
Soybean roots with soybean cyst nematode females (the white, round objects coming out of the roots). Photo by Angela Tenney, MSU.

Soybean cyst nematodes are among the most destructive pests in soybeans. The majority of soybean varieties do have genetic resistance to soybean cyst nematodes. However, about 97 percent of these varieties have a resistance line known as PI 88788. Soybean cyst nematode populations are overcoming resistance to PI 88788.

Using the same genetic resistance, in this case PI 88788, year after year is just like using the same fungicide to target a fungal disease, insecticide to target an insect or herbicide to target weeds. The potential to develop resistance quickly increases if modes of action are not rotated.

In 2014 and 2015, the Michigan State University Nematology Lab “type tested” 59 soybean cyst nematode populations. The type test measures nematode development on three sources of soybean cyst nematode resistance found in commercially available soybean varieties. Of the 59 populations tested, it was determined that the PI 88788 line was no longer resistant in 55 (93 percent) of those cases.

An informational field meeting hosted by MSU Extension is planned for 6 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2018, in Fairgrove, Michigan. The meeting location will be in a field near the Rob Foster farm, located 1 mile east of Fairgrove on the corner of Fairgrove and Ringle Roads.

The featured speaker will be Marisol Quintanilla, MSU Extension applied nematologist. She will talk to participants about managing soybean cyst nematodes in light of its overcoming resistance to PI 88788. Two RUP credits are available to meeting participants.

Pre-registration is requested by calling the Tuscola County MSU Extension office at 989-672-3870.

For more information on the type testing study, see “Not Just Hype: Know Your Type (Soybean Cyst Nematode Type Tests)” from MSU.

Did you find this article useful?