An Iowa State University researcher is gaining a better understanding of how soybean cyst nematode damages soybean plants. SCN are microscopic worms that attack the roots of developing soybean plants.
Susceptible plants can suffer significant yield losses.
Infected plants may or may not show visible signs of damage. If the nematode population is very high, yellow, stunted plants can be seen. With that information, we can work to develop new genes for SCN resistance. The project is supported by the United Soybean Board, which funds research using checkoff dollars contributed by soybean growers. The scientists discovered how the nematode moves through root tissue after it enters the soybean root.