The eight-page publication, entitled "The Soybean Cyst Nematode," covers the life cycle, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, detection through soil sampling, and management strategies for SCN.
It's on the Internet at www.soybeans.umn.edu/pdfs/DC3935.pdf, and is also available from local Extension offices.
Annual U.S. soybean yield losses due to the soybean cyst nematode have been estimated at about $1.5 billion, according to Senyu Chen, U of M nematologist and one of the authors of the publication. In Minnesota, the pest has been detected in at least 52 counties. Most farms that produce soybeans have some level of infestation, says Chen. In heavily infested fields, the nematode can cause yield losses of more than 3%.
The printed publication is available for purchase from county offices of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Ask for item FO-03935. It's also available for purchase from the Extension Distribution Center by e-mail at order@extension.umn.edu, or by credit card at (612) 624-4900 or (800) 876-8636.