New Guides Help Soybean Farmers Fight Rising Nematode Threats

The SCN Coalition expands educational outreach to address multiple yield-robbing nematode species

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The SCN Coalition has created the Soybean Nematode Management Guides to provide soybean farmers with practical tools and science-based strategies to identify and manage four major yield-robbing, parasitic nematode species: soybean cyst nematode (SCN), root-knot nematode (RKN), root lesion nematode (RLN), and reniform nematode. The guides aim to help farmers stay ahead of emerging nematode threats and recover lost yield potential.

Why it matters

Nematode management is critical for soybean production, as these parasitic pests can cause significant yield losses - up to 30% for SCN and 25% for RKN in individual fields. However, many farmers are less aware of the threats posed by RLN and reniform nematode. These guides provide a comprehensive approach to nematode management, empowering farmers to adopt proactive, integrated strategies to protect their soybean yields.

The details

The Soybean Nematode Management Guides were developed by Extension plant pathologists and nematologists, funded by the United Soybean Board (USB). They provide step-by-step instructions for soil testing, identifying nematode infestations, and implementing tailored management strategies. These include planting resistant soybean varieties, crop rotation, using nematode-protectant seed treatments, and other cultural practices to promote root health.

  • The guides were released in March 2026.

The players

The SCN Coalition

A collaborative effort of university researchers, extension specialists, and industry representatives focused on providing soybean farmers with the latest information and tools to manage soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and other nematode pests.

United Soybean Board (USB)

The organization that funded the development of the Soybean Nematode Management Guides to help soybean farmers combat emerging nematode threats.

Dylan Mangel

A plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who emphasizes the importance of addressing lesser-known nematode species beyond just SCN.

Horacio Lopez-Nicora

A soybean pathologist and nematologist at The Ohio State University who stresses the need for an integrated approach using multiple active management strategies to keep nematode populations low and protect soybean yield.

Laurie Isley

A United Soybean Board Director and Michigan farmer who highlights the farmer-focused design of the Soybean Nematode Management Guides.

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What they’re saying

“Thanks to efforts from The SCN Coalition, soybean farmers have been exposed to active SCN management messages, but nematode pressure doesn't stop there. Addressing these lesser-known and still damaging nematode species helps farmers close information gaps and take a more comprehensive approach to protect yield from nematodes. It's also an opportunity for the Coalition to expand its reach and impact.”

— Dylan Mangel, plant pathologist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (americanagnetwork.com)

“An integrated approach using multiple active management strategies can keep nematode populations low and protect soybean yield. By adopting a proactive, informed management plan and using the practices found in these management guides, farmers can reduce plant-parasitic nematode pressure and help protect soybean yield and overall crop productivity.”

— Horacio Lopez-Nicora, soybean pathologist and nematologist, The Ohio State University (americanagnetwork.com)

“These management guides are designed with the farmers' needs in mind. Along with working with your local agronomic expert, farmers can equip themselves with practices to manage nematode pressure to meet their soybean yield goals.”

— Laurie Isley, United Soybean Board Director and Michigan farmer (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The Soybean Nematode Management Guides are now available online and for digital download, providing soybean farmers and their crop advisors with immediate access to the proven strategies to actively manage these yield-robbing pests.

The takeaway

The expanded educational outreach from The SCN Coalition addresses the growing threat of multiple nematode species beyond just SCN, empowering soybean farmers to adopt a more comprehensive, proactive approach to nematode management and protect their crop yields.