The soybean cyst nematode is the single greatest pathogenic threat to soybeans. Each year, it accounts for substantial monetary and yield losses, even though the plants may appear healthy in the field.

To help Midwestern soybean growers learn more about this microscopic roundworm that feeds on soybean roots, the University of Kentucky and the University of Missouri are hosting a webinar series in February on Zoom.

The MO-KY Soybean Cyst Nematode Webinar Series will occur Feb. 11, 18 and 25. Each of the three webinars will last one hour and will begin at noon CST.

“Preliminary findings from an ongoing survey that began in 2019 show that the soybean cyst nematode is present in 84% of Kentucky soybean fields,” said Carl Bradley, extension plant pathologist with the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “While some producers will see signs of yellowing or stunted growth in their soybeans, most will not. Soybeans that appear healthy but are in a soybean cyst nematode-infested field may have as much as a 30% yield loss.”

Bradley and Kaitlyn Bissonnette from the University of Missouri will lead the webinars that are hosted by the Southern IPM Center. They will cover soybean cyst nematode basics, distribution, sampling and management practices including variety resistance, crop rotation and seed treatments.

Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers and Kentucky pesticide applicators are available at each webinar.

Producers can choose to attend one or all of the free webinars. Preregistration is required for each. Registration links are below.

Feb. 11- https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mfHUvAkwSHCts2X5AFBU8w

Feb. 18- https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3uoRUzAeQcOHqxCbWmXtow

Feb. 25- https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A2tRdecwSV2g1hdDsz1t6A