Bayer, SCN Coalition work together to combat soybean Cyst Nematode

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) remains the most critical yield-limiting threat to soybeans and yield loss is likely to increase in the future^*. Bayer is proud to be an SCN Coalition member and supports their mission to promote SCN awareness and give growers the right tools to effectively combat this pest with active management. 

More than 95 percent of SCN-resistant varieties share the same source of resistance – PI 88788. However, most growers today are unaware that SCN is adapting and reproducing on PI 88788 varieties. Research shows that as SCN reproduction increases on resistant varieties with PI 88788, yield decreases – by as much as 14 bu/A^**.

“SCN is a big enough threat to soybean growers that companies, universities and soybean grower organizations must come together and speak with one voice to manage it,” said Dr. George W. Bird, professor emeritus of entomology at Michigan State University and leader of the SCN Coalition.

Bird added, “The impact a coalition of companies, universities and soybean grower organizations can make when working together is far greater than what we could do if we were working alone.”

achel Walters, Bayer marketing manager, agreed. “Bayer supports the SCN Coalition and its goal to bring SCN resistance awareness to the industry. This is an opportunity to draw attention to the importance of following best management practices, including seed treatments, to ensure that SCN does not cause significant yield loss.”

One way for growers to actively manage SCN in their soybean crop is to use a seed treatment like ILeVO®, which ensures protection from nematodes the moment the crop is planted. For more information about ILeVO and how you can increase soybean yields, visit www.cropscience.bayer.us/seedgrowth/ilevo, talk to your local Bayer representative or local retailer.

*Implementing the Second SCN Coalition: Resistance Management and Awareness Campaign – North Dakota State University
** © 2017, C.C. Marett and G.L. Tylka, Iowa State University. “Known distribution of SCN in the US and Canada – 1954 to 2017”