Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Soybean Cyst Nematode: Understanding the Life Cycle, Symptoms, and Management Strategies for Effective Control

Majid Ghasemi^* Department of Agriculture, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
^*Correspondence: Majid Ghasemi, Department of Agriculture, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China, Email:

Received: 03-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JPPM-23-21315; Editor assigned: 05-Apr-2023, Pre QC No. JPPM-23-21315(PQ); Reviewed: 20-Apr-2023, QC No. JPPM-23-21315; Revised: 27-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JPPM-23-21315(R); Published: 05-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2157-7471.23.14.665

Description

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is a parasitic roundworm that affects soybean crops. The nematode is a microscopic worm that lives in the soil and feeds on the roots of the soybean plant. The nematode is found in many soybean growing regions of the world, and it is a major pest of soybean crops, causing significant yield losses.

Life cycle of soybean cyst nematode

The life cycle of soybean cyst nematode begins with the egg stage. The eggs of the nematode are laid in a protective cyst that is formed by the female nematode. The cyst protects the eggs from environmental stress and allows them to survive in the soil for several years. When conditions are favorable, the eggs hatch into juvenile nematodes that are about 0.3 mm in length. The juvenile nematodes move through the soil and infect the roots of the soybean plant. Once inside the roots, the nematodes feed on the plant cells, causing damage to the root system. The nematodes also stimulate the plant to produce cells that form the cyst, which provides a protective environment for the nematodes to continue feeding. As the nematodes continue to feed and grow, they molt several times and reach maturity. The female nematodes then lay eggs inside the cyst, which will hatch into new juvenile nematodes and continue the life cycle.

Symptoms of soybean cyst nematode

The symptoms of soybean cyst nematode infestation are often difficult to detect in the early stages. The initial symptoms may include stunted growth and a general lack of vigor in the soybean plants. As the nematode population increases, the plants may show yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and reduced pod production. In severe infestations, the soybean plants may die.

One of the key symptoms of soybean cyst nematode infestation is the presence of small, white or yellowish cysts on the roots of the soybean plant. These cysts are the protective covering that is formed by the plant in response to the nematode feeding. The cysts can be seen with the naked eye and are a good indicator of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestation.

Management of soybean cyst nematode

Soybean cyst nematode management requires an integrated approach that involves the use of cultural, chemical, and genetic control methods. The following are some of the key management strategies that can be used to control soybean cyst nematode.

Crop rotation: Crop rotation is a cultural control method that involves planting different crops in a sequence to reduce the buildup of nematode populations. The rotation of soybean crops with non-host crops, such as corn, wheat, or oats, can reduce the nematode population and limit their ability to cause damage to soybean crops.

Chemical control: Chemical control methods involve the use of nematicides, which are chemicals that kill or suppress nematode populations. However, the use of nematicides can be expensive and can have negative environmental impacts.

Genetic resistance: The development of soybean varieties with genetic resistance to soybean cyst nematode is one of the most effective methods of control. The use of resistant varieties can significantly reduce the damage caused by soybean cyst nematode and can provide long-term control.