Syngenta Field Report

The Syngenta Field Report features information and experts from Syngenta sharing observations about issues growers are dealing with in the fields.

« Previous Blog Posting

Soybean cyst nematode protection increases yield

Jun 08, 2011

Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) have been difficult to manage in soybean fields across the country. Under optimum conditions, these tiny pests complete their life cycle in 24 to 30 days, infecting soybean roots and reducing crop yield.

Cultural practices, including crop rotation and the use of resistant cultivars, are used to decrease damage from SCN. But these methods do not effectively reduce or eliminate SCN populations, and there is no way to offset early-season damage.

However, over the past few years, our trials have consistently shown soybean yield increases in fields with SCN presence when using a soybean nematicide/insecticide/fungicide seed treatment combination compared to an insecticide/fungicide combination. The average yield increase is 2 bushels per acre, and we’ve seen yield bumps in 75 percent of the trials. In fact, the average return on investment is $12 per acre more with the nematicide combination (based on $8.50 per bushel soybeans).

Nematode protection helps most when SCN pressure has been observed in the field in the past, and when early-season stress, like low moisture, is combined with nematode feeding. Are you planning to provide SCN protection for your 2011 soybean crop?

Next Blog Posting »

View all Posts from this Blog