Highlights from Farm Progress Show: A Day with the ISA Agronomy Team
The Illinois Soybean Association Agronomy team was at Farm Progress Show in the newly developed soybean plots, covering agronomic topics like soil health, SCN, weed ID, and pest management. We also showcased a diverse cover crop plot with 15+ species.
USDA Surveying Illinois Farm Chemical Use and Production Costs
USDA NASS is gathering information about crop production practices from producers across Illinois, as part of the 2023 Agricultural Resource Management Survey. Responses will help ensure that accurate use rates of necessary crop protection products will be widely available for producers.
A Harvest Roller Coaster: Illinois Soy Envoys Share Crop Updates
This year's harvest has brought a wide range of yields so far, from disappointing to outstanding, in both soybeans and corn. The Illinois Soy Envoys offer a wide-ranging harvest report, covering yield assessments from various regions across the state.
Impact of Cover Crops on SCN
As cover crops gain popularity in crop rotations, the question arises: Do they aid or potentially host soybean cyst nematode (SCN)? Dr. Mandy Bish from the University of Missouri Extension examines strip-trial data, particularly regarding cereal rye, which shows no significant enhancement of SCN populations. However, the impact of legume cover crops on SCN remains an area of concern.
Early Planted Soybeans & SCN
IL farmers continue to plant soybeans earlier each year. Dr. Mandy Bish, University of Missouri Extension Specialist, examines the impact of this trend on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and considers various factors, including weather and environmental conditions, that could potentially increase soybean vulnerability to SCN.
Corn Rotation and Other SCN Management Strategies
Dr. Mandy Bish discusses the role of corn in combating soybean cyst nematode and highlights other various management strategies for SCN. She urges awareness of Sudden Death Syndrome as a potential visual indicator of SCN within the field as well as reviews data from seed treatment trials.
SCN Resistance in Soybean Varieties
Soybean cyst nematode has overcome the PI 88788 resistance, which farmers have relied on for over 30 years. Researchers have identified commercially available soybean varieties with Peking resistance that excel in high SCN pressure areas.
Uncovering the Challenges of SCN Distribution
Distribution is a major challenge in researching and managing soybean cyst nematode. This pest tends to stay close to its original location in the soil, leading to significant variations in egg counts even within a small 6-inch radius.
Prioritizing Funding for SCN Research
How should funding be allocated for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) research? Dr. Mandy Bish, University of Missouri Extension Specialist, and Stephanie Porter, Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist & CCA, explain how it takes a team to research this pest and how to pursue collaborative efforts with commodity associations, corporations, and universities.
SCN Management Starts With Testing
Knowing soybean cyst nematode (SCN) egg counts in your fields is key to managing this pest. Dr. Mandy Bish, University of Missouri Extension Specialist, & Stephanie Porter, ISA Outreach Agronomist & CCA, explain the importance of consistent testing. Get FREE SCN sampling kits through the Illinois Soybean Association & University of Illinois Plant Clinic.
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