Link to home

Evaluation of nematicide seed treatments for control of root knot nematode (RKN) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean in the mid-Atlantic U.S.

Saleh Ahmed: Virginia Tech Tidewater AREC


<div>Plant parasitic nematodes are a major constraint to soybean production, but few effective, economical nematicides are available for their control. The objective of this study was to evaluate nematicide seed treatments for control of root knot nematode (RKN) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean production areas in the mid-Atlantic U.S. In 2017, trials were conducted in Virginia (Suffolk, Chesapeake) and North Carolina (Moyock). Avicta, Clariva, Poncho/VOTiVO, and ILeVO seed treatments were compared to aldicarb in-furrow and a no nematicide control. Nematode populations, plant stand, and yield were assessed. Suffolk and Chesapeake had moderate populations of SCN, and Moyock had high RKN. Nematicide treatments did not increase plant stand or yield compared to the control at any of the locations. At Suffolk, aldicarb and Poncho/VOTiVO treatments had 4.6 and 2.8 times less SCN than the control, respectively, but at Chesapeake, treatments did not reduce SCN. At Moyock, RKN and root galling did not vary significantly among treatments, but aldicarb and ILeVO had numerically lower RKN. Results indicate nematicide seed treatments may suppress nematode populations, but overall control and yield protection are minimal when nematode pressure is high. Additional studies are needed to quantify long-term effects of seed treatments on nematode populations and benefits of combining seed treatment and resistant soybean varieties for nematode management.</div>