b'Soybean roots infested with soybean cyst nematode (small ovals).Photo: BASFNEW TECHNOLOGIES HELP FIGHT THE PLIGHT OF SOYBEAN CYST NEMATODESCN accounts for more than $1 billion in losses for U.S. farmers annually and has moved into Canada. Recent discoveries are helping to reverse the damage. Lisa KopochinskiBEING A FARMERis not for the faint of heart. The indus- mately two-thirds of its fertilized eggs, so as the embryos try has long faced great challenges that dont seem todevelop, the hosts body hardens to become a protective be going away anytime soon. Everything from climatecyst. This has allowed SCN to be as damaging as it is. change to increasing costs related to supplies, labour andLabs across the U.S. are still looking at how to mini-fertilizer. And, lets not forget crop diseases, one of whichmize SCN damage. One such lab includes Iowa State is showing greater resistance more than eversoybeanUniversitys Greg Tylka, professor in the Department of cyst nematode (SCN). Plant Pathology and Microbiology which has extension As one of the largest field robbers, SCN has been dev- and research responsibilities for management of plant-par-astating to soybean crops across the U.S. and is now start- asitic nematodes. Research in his lab includes field experi-ing to move across Canada. While SCN can often causements assessing the yield protection and control provided more than 30 per cent yield loss in some affected soybeanby SCN-resistant varieties and by nematode-protectant fields, the good news is that in the past year, new dis- seed treatments. coveries and technology have been released to combat itHis graduate students are conducting laboratory with encouraging results. experiments to determine how nematode-protectant seed But first, what is soybean cyst nematode? Thetreatments affect specific aspects of the biology of SCN University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign called it one things like hatching, movement, response to chemical of the most destructive pests quite unlike its worm rela- stimuli, and more.tives. While the vast majority of nematodes appear asTylka says SCN is widespread and is estimated to microscopic worms, the female SCN can essentially shapereduce soybean yields in North America by $1.5 billion shift into a tiny lemon after feasting on soybean roots.annually.This round shape allows the female to retain approxi- All soybean-producing areas of the U.S. and Canada 38GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2022'