Nebraska Pathologist Urged Fall Soybean Nematode Testing
Soil sampling during harvest helps mitigate a parasite costing U.S. farmers $1.5 billion annually.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Botany
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Is now a good time for farmers to prioritize soil testing to mitigate potential yield losses?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln plant pathologists have recommended that farmers sample fields for soybean cyst nematode this fall. The pathogen is a significant contributor to yield loss, particularly when correlated with Sudden Death Syndrome.
Why it matters
Active soil management is essential as farmers look to address persistent crop losses and the emerging threat of Red Crown Rot spreading across the Midwest. Identifying infestation levels allows for better informed rotation and management decisions.
The SCN Coalition estimates that soybean cyst nematode causes $1.5 billion in annual damages to U.S. soybean production. Farmers are encouraged to use harvest yield maps to target sampling in both high-performance and low-yield zones.
The players
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A land-grant research institution focused on agricultural sciences and crop pathology.
SCN Coalition
A group dedicated to increasing awareness and management of the soybean cyst nematode parasite.
The details
Soybean cyst nematode acts as a parasite on soybean roots, feeding on the plant's vascular tissue and creating entry points for other infections like Sudden Death Syndrome. By conducting soil sampling during the harvest period, producers can quantify egg counts before the next planting cycle. This proactive testing is also critical for assessing field health against the backdrop of Red Crown Rot, a fungal disease currently expanding across the Midwest.
Timeline
Fall 2026 is the recommended period for identifying soybean cyst nematode.
October 2026 marks the SCN Action Month initiative.
The Tech Race
This diagnostic push follows the pattern set by the SCN Coalition to reduce a persistent $1.5 billion annual loss estimate. The focus on widespread soil testing marks a departure from reactive management toward predictive field-level surveillance.
Farmers can begin utilizing harvest yield maps now to identify which field sections require immediate soil testing. This process allows producers to plan management strategies for the 2027 season based on local nematode presence.
The takeaway
Proactive testing remains the most effective method for identifying hidden yield-robbing parasites. Producers should monitor the official SCN Action Month schedule throughout October 2026 for specific diagnostic resources and regional updates.
What happens next
SCN Action Month will begin in October 2026, serving as a specific focal point for regional diagnostic outreach.
Further reading
For more on managing soil health and crop pathogens, visit the Botany section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brownfield Ag News.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for farmers to prioritize soil testing to mitigate potential yield losses?
