September 16, 2019
The presence of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) has been confirmed in Manitoba. This confirmation is due to survey efforts conducted by Dr. Mario Tenuta and his laboratory (University of Manitoba) that have taken place from 2012 to 2019. SCN was identified by visual and molecular DNA methods in four out of 106 fields and four out of 18 municipalities sampled across all surveys.
Rural municipalities where SCN has been detected are Norfolk-Treherne, Rhineland, Emerson-Franklin and Montcalm (Figure 1). Given the large gap between regions with positive identification, there is a possibility that SCN may be present in fields that were not included in the survey, or may have established since sampling of a field has occurred.
Cyst populations found in these four fields are extremely low and consistent with recent establishment of this pest. The arrival of SCN in Manitoba is not surprising, given the northward spread and distribution across North America. Once established, SCN can remain in the soil for many years.
The arrival of SCN in Manitoba fields can still be avoided by preventing the spread of soil from one field to another. Populations of SCN can be minimized by rotating to non-host crops, growing SCN-resistant soybean varieties, growing cover crops, reducing tillage and controlling host weed species.
Visit here for details on SCN survey results, identification, prevention and management, or contact Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers or Manitoba Agriculture.
Questions?
This research is conducted by Ph.D. student Nazanin Ghavami at the University of Manitoba and is a collaborative effort between the University, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers and Manitoba Agriculture. Funding was provided by Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Manitoba Agriculture and the Western Grains Research Foundation. Albert Tenuta of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is a project collaborator.