The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most destructive soybean pathogen in the United States.   In 2024, the soybean cyst nematode caused an estimated loss of over 89 million bushels in the U.S., with an estimated loss of over 3 million bushels in Kentucky. These bushels lost were worth over $900 million in the U.S. and over $32 million in Kentucky. Raising awareness and testing for SCN in fields are the first steps in managing this important pathogen of soybean.

Dr. Carl Bradley’s extension program at the University of Kentucky is part of The SCN Coalition, a public-private partnership that strives to increase soybean farmers’ awareness of SCN and their active management of this important pathogen. The SCN Coalition (https://www.thescncoalition.com/) provides media contributions, science-based information, and tools for farmers to use when managing SCN.

During December 2024, The SCN Coalition repeated a quantitative study that had originally taken place in 2015 and 2020 to determine the effectiveness of its campaign. Through this study, we learned that farmers have increased soil sampling for SCN from 18% in 2015 to 27% in 2024, and that farmer management of SCN using different sources of genetic resistance has increased from 39% to 56%, and use of nematode-protectant seed treatments has increased from 22% to 42%.

Depending on the tool(s) farmers use, the 2024 research study showed between 9% and 20% more are actively managing SCN than in 2015. Surveyed farmers reported capturing an additional 5.4 bushels per acre, adding $57.78 per acre to their bottom line. Through the efforts of the Bradley Lab and The SCN Coalition, Kentucky soybean farmers are now more aware of SCN and are actively managing this important pathogen to stay economically stable and profitable.