The soybean cyst nematode has been ranked the No. 1 soybean pest in the U.S. Though primarily in the Midwest, the tiny pest has begun its invasion of New York.
Jaime Cummings, field crops and livestock integrated pest management coordinator at Cornell Cooperative Extension, spoke on the emerging challenge Feb. 10 during the virtual Soybean and Small Grains Congress.
The soybean cyst nematode is a microscopic, soil-dwelling roundworm, and it can be highly destructive to soybeans. It can cause more than double the yield loss of white mold.
The nematodeâs prolific reproduction is one of the big reasons it spreads so rapidly.