The SCN Coalition’s new SCN Profit Checker tool helps growers and advisors see how much soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is costing a field in terms of dollars and yield.
The tool uses an algorithm created from the data of more than 25,000 Iowa State University field trial plots with SCN-resistant soybean varieties. The data revealed a direct relationship among SCN egg numbers, reproduction of SCN populations on PI88788 resistance and yield loss.
To use SCN Profit Checker, a farmer, agronomist or crop advisor provides the state name and the following field-specific information:
• SCN egg count
• SCN female index on PI 88788
• Sand content of the soil
• Soil pH
If a grower is unsure of the SCN female index on PI 88788 in a specific field, university experts have provided default indexes for most states to use as a starting point. However, growers can also work with their agronomist or crop advisor to get an HG Type test that would provide that specific information and allow them to receive a more accurate estimate.
The tool also considers sand content and soil pH due to the direct relationship with SCN reproduction.
Using this information, along with the farmer’s yield expectation and targeted soybean price, the tool is able to calculate a yield and profit hit estimate from SCN.
“Demonstrating to farmers the financial burden of SCN in dollars and cents makes it real. In doing so, The SCN Coalition hopes to motivate more farmers to actively manage the pest,” says Greg Tylka, Iowa State University nematologist. “They can use this information to be more strategic when developing an active SCN management plan with their trusted crop advisor.”
According to Mac Marshall, United Soybean Board’s vice president of market intelligence, annual global soybean consumption expected to climb roughly one-third by 2035, making control of SCN critical in the years ahead.
To meet that growing soybean demand, Jack Cornell, United Soybean Board’s director of sustainable supply, says the best way for farmers to maximize profitability and production is to increase yields on existing acres.
“When farmers think about increasing profits, the focus is on creating more bushels on land that is already utilized for production,” he says. “That includes recouping bushels lost to pests like SCN. Doing so will go a long way toward meeting global demand and ensuring a more sustainable soybean future.”
