Soybean School: Cheating sudden death syndrome

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When growers discover soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in their fields, sudden death syndrome (SDS) may not be far behind.

Those nematodes act as an enabler for SDS by creating an entry point for the disease pathogen to enter roots and infect the plant. That’s why it’s important for growers to employ an integrated management program to help defend the plant against both pests, says Albert Tenuta, plant pathologist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.

When it comes to SCN, Tenuta encourages growers to scout fields for evidence of the pest, soil test to determine if nematodes are present and rotate different genes that confer SCN resistance to soybean varieties.

For more insight on managing SDS, RealAgriculture Soybean School host Bernard Tobin caught up with Tenuta at a pair of trial locations this summer. On this episode, Tenuta shares field evidence of the impact seed treatments can have in defending plants against the disease. A wide range of trials show that yield protection does vary but in some cases growers can see a five to eight bushel advantage for SDS fungicide products.

Tenuta and his team also work with seed companies to test the SDS genetic tolerance of 100 to 150 soybean varieties annually in Ontario. When it comes to genetics, location is a critical component of variety testing. He notes that some varieties that rate highly for SDS defence in the U.S. midwest don’t deliver the same level of protection when grown in Ontario. Watch the video below.

Tap here for more Soybean School videos.

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