Soybean Cyst Nematode in Eastern Ontario?
It's True!

There has been considerable speculation over the past couple of years concerning SCN and its presence east of Toronto. A few SCN soil test results indicated a low population of SCN may be present but at no time had SCN been found on soybean roots. I would like to thank Laura McCormack and Jeff Harrison with Pioneer Hi-Bred for notifying me of a potential field in the Trenton area (Northumberland county).

On July 16, I visited this field and was very surprised at not only the amount of damage but the number of cysts on the roots. Based on these observations this is not a new infection and most likely has gone undetected for 10, 15 or more years. This is a common difficulty with SCN detection. The damage is often attributed to many other common problems and only after considerable injury and a significant population build-up does the disease become obvious. Although this may for some be considered bad news I would argue that it is in fact good news! No I haven't been out in the sun too long or lost my marbles.

Although more fields will be found similar to this first field, they will most likely be the exception and not the norm. As with all new areas, more fields will be confirmed with SCN and the vast majority will be at very low levels.

This is where the good news comes in! We have the tools available to manage SCN. By using SCN resistant varieties, rotation with non-host crops such as corn, wheat and SCN soil testing the disease can be managed effectively and with minimal pain. What is required however to combat this disease is awareness and diligence by the grower and ag retailers.

Now is the time that all growers in the province, whether you are in a known SCN are or not, check their fields since SCN damage is obvious in many parts this summer. SCN thrives under stressed growing conditions. If you suspect SCN (or not), dig up the plants and examine the roots for the presence of cyst. Examining the roots is a good practice and should be done routinely throughout the season not only for SCN but other diseases, insects, soil issues, etc.

It is not a surprise to find SCN in the east and we all knew it would be just a matter of time. For these reasons, OMAFRA and AAFC along with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency routinely soil survey and document the spread of SCN into previously non-infested counties in the province.
The Ontario Soybean Growers have also played an integral role not only in increasing awareness but also in supporting SCN research and extension activities aimed at limiting SCN losses to soybean producers.

The current survey project has been supported by the OSG which obtained funding through contributions by Canada and the Province of Ontario under the Canada-Ontario Research and Development (CORD) Program, an initative of the federal-provincial-territorial Agricultural Policy Framework designed to postion Canada's agri-food sector as a world leader. The Agricultural Adaptation Council administers the CORD program on behalf of the province.

SCN can be managed but the first step is detection and is critical to maintaining profitable soybeans in the future. If you are in a non-infested county and suspect SCN, we may be able to add it to the survey. Please contact Cheryl at 519-674-1694 or fax field details to 519-674-1564.