Declare War on Soybean Cyst Nematode

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is one of the leading diseases soybean producers have to face each growing season. Last year experts claim losses totaling more than a billion dollars occurred by this pest. Regrettably, most farmers shrug off those national-loss figures with the feeling that "it's the other guy's problem!" However, producers now are starting to recognize the seriousness this disease can have and are beginning to identify and manage it.

Universities, grower associations and agribusiness have teamed up to form a 10-state SCN coalition called "Take the test. Beat the pest". Its mission is to get all soybean growers to take soil samples and have them analyzed for SCN. Then if they find they have the pests, to take the proper corrective action.

Through my Extension programming in SCN issues, I have recognized the seriousness this disease can have. Denial by producers appears to be a major stumbling block in addressing this disease. Education can play a significant role in changing the attitude soybean farmers have, especially if they understand the economic consequences. My programming through my Cropping System Specialization Team has the resources to effectively program for this issue.

My past and present programming has built a sound knowledge base for producers. However, the denial issue or the conception producers have that its someone else's problem is the first area I will focus on. The other segment to my programming will be management practices producers should implement. I think the message needs to be that SCN is a problem, but it is a manageable problem.

I would like to form a cohort and develop programs, which would support the coalitions effort in SCN awareness. I believe the present and future research being done by land grant universities is the niche that agribusiness doesn't have. Through our program efforts, the University of Minnesota Extension Staff can provide the leadership and expertise to positively impact soybean producers.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 1999