The Mississippi State University Extension Service Plant Diagnostic Lab is offering free nematode testing for all Mississippi-grown soybeans through Aug. 30, 2020.
This season’s testing was expanded to include all soybean nematode pests, not just the soybean cyst nematode or SCN.
Funding for the tests is provided by the Soybean Cyst Nematode Coalition, a group of university scientists, Extension specialists and agricultural company representatives dedicated to helping soybean producers manage these pests.
In some areas of the country, SCN are showing resistance to the most commonly used nematode-resistant soybean plant varieties. In Mississippi, root-knot and reniform nematodes are often more problematic in soybean fields than SCN.
To qualify for free testing, samples must be accompanied by the SCN sample submission form. Instructions for proper field sampling also are available.
Test results will include counts of all parasitic nematodes in the submitted sample. Technicians also will perform a SCN viability test on all recovered cysts.
Questions about the test should be directed to the lab at 662-325-2146.
Mississippi State University contributed this article.