-Information prepared by Jaime Cummings, NYS Integrated Pest Management Program-

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is considered to be the number one pest of soybeans nationally and globally.  It was estimated to have caused 109 million bushels lost in the US alone in 2017.  The nematode has not been considered a pest of concern to NY growers until it was first discovered in Cayuga County in 2016.  Since then, the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program in cooperation with statewide extension specialists, with support from NYS Department of Ag and Markets and the NY Corn and Soybean Growers Association, has been leading efforts on surveying for this pest to determine how widespread it is, and at what levels so that we can help growers make the best and most economical management decisions.  In 2019, we confirmed SCN in an additional six counties, and expect to find it in additional locations every year.  That means it's time for our soybean growers to start actively managing for this potentially devastating pest, before it becomes our number one problem for soybean production in NY.

The 2020 statewide SCN survey revealed 23 NEW counties confirmed with at least one field positive for SCN. In SWNY, 3 out of 5 counties tested positive for SCN (Steuben, Allegany, and Chautauqua). This brings us to a total of 30 counties with SCN confirmations since 2016. The maps below illustrate the progress and results of our SCN testing over the past few years. Additional resources about SCN can be accessed at: https://www.thescncoalition.com/resources/tools-to-download. Also, check out these short videos titled "Let's Talk Todes" to learn more about managing soybean cyst nematode.