What is Soybean Cyst Nematode?
SCN is a microscopic roundworm related to the animal- parasitic roundworms that infect pets. The juvenile nematode that hatches from the egg infects the soybean roots. If the juvenile becomes a male it leaves the soybean root after feeding for only a few days and moves through the soil no longer contributing to plant damage. If however the juvenile becomes a female she swells into a cyst and becomes embedded within the root. The damage caused to the roots is primarily due to the feeding by the females. Plant nutrients are removed, water uptake is slowed and root growth is hindered. Infected roots cannot utilize nutrients and water efficiently so visual symptoms are more evident during dry years compared to ideal growing seasons. These damaged roots are more susceptible to other diseases such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Fusarium, etc. SCN moves very slowly through the soil so infection of new fields is caused by soil movement which moves the SCN. This can occur through dirty
