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After harvest is the optimal time for Soybean Cyst Nematode sampling
Stacy Campbell
Stacy Campbell

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a major problem in soybean fields throughout eastern and central Kansas. It is important to monitor SCN levels regularly to determine if management strategies, such as variety resistance and crop rotation, have been successful.

Immediately following harvest is the best time to check fields for SCN and start planning for next season. Confirming the presence of SCN and determining population levels is the basis for a successful integrated management program. Here we discuss the recommended strategy for SCN sampling.

To collect a SCN sample you will need:

• A soil probe (or sharpshooter spade)

• A bucket

• A labeled bag. Label should include the following information: field identification (i.e. field ID: North Farm, near Doe Creek); size of the area being sampled (i.e. 20 acres); crop history (i.e. soybean, corn, and soybean)

Recommended field pattern for sample collection:

If your field is fairly uniform, divide it into quadrants for your SCN sample collection. Sections of the field that have had different cropping histories or have a different soil type should be sampled separately. For each quadrant or area of the field, you will collect 10 to 20 cores to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. 

It is important that when collecting soil cores you walk in a systematic pattern, such as a “Z” pattern. Collect a total of 10 to 20 soil cores, emptying each into the bucket after collection. All core samples should be mixed well, to account for any minor variation between cores. After mixing, collect 1 pint of soil, approximately 2 cups, in a labeled plastic bag and seal. 

When sending your samples to the diagnostic lab make sure to:

• Keep samples refrigerated until shipping

• Send overnight or as fast as possible (time is crucial)

• Avoid leaving bags in the sun (which can kill nematodes)

• Send the samples to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in the K-State Plant Pathology Department.

• You can find the Plant Disease Diagnostic Check sheet at https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/extension/diagnostic-lab/documents/DiseaseLabChecksheet.pdf

Shipping address: K-State Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, 4032 Throckmorton PSC, 1712 Claflin Road, Manhattan, KS 66506, clinic@ksu.edu, 785-532-1383

Remember, your results will only be as good as the sample that you send to the lab!

Check out this short, informative video from our lab: Soybean Cyst Nematode-SCN Sampling 2020: https://youtu.be/b6Eo0isI1I0 .

For more information, feel free to contact us at the K-State Plant Pathology Department.

Information provided by Timothy Todd, K-State Nematologist and Rodrigo Onofre, Plant Pathologist.


Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Cottonwood Extension District. Email him at scampbel@ksu.edu or call the Hays office, 785-628-9430.