Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Sampling Program

NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

NDSU Extension | Ward County

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) sampling program

What is this program? This is part of the SCN sampling program that begin in 2013, funded by the North Dakota Soybean Council. This program has been remarkably successful. Nearly 5,000 samples taken since the program began, SCN has been detected in many counties, and growers save a great deal of money when they find and manage it.

Why is SCN important? SCN is an invasive parasitic nematode (microscopic worm) that is actively spreading in ND. Nationally, it causes an estimated $1.0-1.5B in yield loss annually. Early detection is key to management, and soil sampling towards the end of the season is the most effective detection technique. If found, keeping egg levels low (by crop rotation, genetic resistance, etc.) is key, and the only way to know if a grower is accomplishing that is to soil sample.

An NDSU Extension publication on SCN can be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2022-04/pp1732.pdf

More information about SCN can be found here: https://www.thescncoalition.com/. This site includes several nationally distributed videos, three of which were filmed in ND: https://www.thescncoalition.com/lets-talk-todes/all-videos.

How does the program work? County Extension offices receive a number of sample bags for farmers to pick up. The best time to sample is late in the season (target late August until freeze up). Growers (or others in ag) can receive these bags from their County Extension Agents. In short, the growers (or others) submit samples with the completed submission form, the soybean council pays the lab fees, growers get their data, and NDSU Extension makes distribution maps.

Sampling Instructions (also on submission sheet):

Take soil samples from your field, mix and put soil in sample bags. Follow SCN sampling recommendations outlined on the back of the submission sheet.
Fully complete the yellow label on the soil sample bag. The FIELD ID on the soil sample bag MUST match the FIELD ID on the Sample ID Form.
Keep soil samples in a cool, dark place until mailed.
Fully complete this SAMPLE ID FORM.
Please Mail Sample Bag and Sample ID form directly to:

AGVISE

PO Box 187 | 902 13^th St. N

Benson, MN 56215

If you have further questions about the SCN sampling program, please contact Paige Brummund at 701-857-6444 or by email at paige.f.brummund@ndsu.edu. To pick up a sampling bag (or 2) and submission forms, please stop by the Ward County Extension office located at 900 13th St SE, Minot, ND 58701.

Individuals with disabilities are invited to request reasonable accommodations to participate in NDSU-sponsored programs and events.

NDSU Extension Ward County

900 13th St SE

Minot, ND 58701

(701) 857-6450 or (701) 857-6444

ndsu.ward.extension@ndsu.edu

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