Free Testing for Soybean Cyst Nematode is Now Available for Farmers Across PA

Plant parasitic nematodes reported to feed on soybeans include the lance, sting, lesion, root knot, and cyst nematodes. However, Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) causes yield losses greater than losses caused by other pathogens in the Unites States. Once SCN is established in the field, it becomes difficult to manage because it survives in the soil for many years in the absence of a host, it has high reproduction rates, and it is easily spread through anything that moves soil and infected plant parts (flood water, tractor wheels, wind, humans, and animals). In addition, the nematode has overcome the most common resistance traits available in soybean varieties.

Soybean cyst nematode was first reported in Lancaster County in 2002. However, preliminary results from a survey in PA (n=54) indicated that 83% of the participants (farmers, crop consultants and agronomists) had never scouted/soil sampled for SCN and 81% were not aware of the source of resistance in the varieties they use.  Therefore, a free nematode testing program was started in 2019. In 2020, we will continue to offer the program thanks to the collective effort of Penn State Extension, the PA Soybean Board, and the SCN Coalition.

How does it work?

During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic and while we observe social distancing, nematode soil samples bags will be available in one of two manners:

1. Pick up outside the Agricultural Analytical Services Lab Building at 111 Ag Analytical Services Lab, University Park, PA 16802, phone 814-863-0841.
2. Request sampling bags directly from Adriana Murillo-Williams by writing to her at: axm1119@psu.edu (phone number 814-355-4897/814-360-5517). In your request, please provide your name, the number of bags requested, and mailing address where you would like to receive the bags. 

All sampling bags will contain sampling instructions and a field history form that needs to be filled out and sent back with the samples.

We will also accept samples submitted using other types of bags as long as they come with the following basic information: name, address, county, phone number, email, field address or GPS coordinates, and field acreage. We will contact you to get additional information.

Also, in the interim, we are requesting that all samples be sent to the following address:

Dr. Alyssa A. Collins
Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center
The Pennsylvania State University
1446 Auction Road
Manheim, PA 17545

In case SCN is found, we will be working with farmers to select the most appropriate management practices that best fit their operations.