Database Research SummariesSecond SCN Coalition: Resistance Management and Awareness Campaign
Objectives
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) remains the most important economically-limiting threat to soybean growers in the North Central United States and yield losses due to SCN are increasing. In recent years, an increase in aggressive SCN populations, which can feed and reproduce on resistant varieties, has been widely documented throughout the region. With only one readily available commercial source of resistance to SCN (PI88788), this trend will expose growers to levels of yield loss from SCN that have not occurred since the 1980s and on a much larger scale.
The mission of the Second Soybean Cyst Nematode Coalition is to develop a resistance management and awareness campaign to educate growers and industry on the reality of SCN resistance development, to slow the development of highly aggressive SCN populations, and to minimize increasing levels of yield loss.
Results
In 2018, the SCN Coalition secured or improved relationships with seven major private corporate partners, Corn+Soybean Digest, approximately two dozen universities in as many states, and many QSSBs. With a coalition of major partners and committed dollars for the future, the SCN Coalition will facilitate an increase in SCN awareness and active management practices among growers.
The SCN Coalition launched in February 2018 at Commodity Classic in Anaheim, CA. The website: www.thescncoalition.com went live in February as well. It includes training videos, grower testimonials, downloadable print and electronic educational pieces, and local information by states and partners. Since the launch, researchers and faculty have been promoting the coalition in magazine articles, television broadcasts and at events across the country.
Importance
The SCN Coalition is arming soybean farmers across the country with knowledge needed to protect yield. Success will show through reduced yield loss due to SCN. Active SCN management, optimal use of current management tools and monitoring the effectiveness of those tools can protect yield. Similarly, active management may help preserve the effectiveness of PI88788 (the most effective source of genetic resistance), reducing yield loss in the future.
For more information about this research project, please visit the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database.
Funded in part by the soybean checkoff.
