Waukesha, Wis. (September 10, 2019; Revised June 28, 2022) – There are plenty of agronomic incentives to plant cover crops in the fall. But for fields infested with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) there’s one watch-out: Don’t feed the nematodes!
Always have a specific objective in mind for using a cover crop because the proper cover crop variety and best management practices will help achieve that goal.
“If you have SCN in your fields, we encourage you to consider cover crops that are nonhosts and poor hosts for SCN,” says George Bird, Michigan State University nematologist and leader of The SCN Coalition. “It’s the single most damaging pest in North American soybeans, and once it’s in your fields, you can’t eliminate it completely, but you can manage it.”
Researchers from The SCN Coalition have compiled this list of cover crops that are suitable to grow in SCN infested fields without fear of providing a host for the nematode. The list is based on the results of checkoff funded research published by Iowa State University and North Dakota State University. Work with your crop advisors and local experts to decide what’s best for your situation.
Legumes (nitrogen-fixing) that are poor hosts or nonhosts for SCN:
- Alfalfa
- Austrian winter pea
- Berseem clover
- Cowpea
- Crimson clover
- Hairy vetch
- Peas
- Red clover
- White clover
Researchers at North Dakota State found slightly higher SCN reproduction on Austrian winter pea, hairy vetch and field peas than what Iowa State scientists found, but reproduction was low in both studies.
Grasses and cereal grains that are poor hosts or nonhosts for SCN:
- Annual ryegrass
- Barley*
- Cereal rye
- Oats*
* From the SCN Management Guide 5th edition
Brassicas (radishes, cabbage, mustards) that are poor hosts or nonhosts for SCN:
- Canola
- Daikon-type radish
- Mustard
- Oilseed radish
“There’s even been some discussion of planting field pennycress – also in the Brassica family – as a cover crop,” Bird says. “But a word of warning: Research from Purdue University showed that field pennycress is a moderately good host for SCN. Reproduction of the nematode on field pennycress could lead to increases in SCN population densities.” Do not grow pennycress as a cover crop in SCN-infested fields.
Considerations for cover crop blends
Recently, there has been an increase in the marketing and use of cover crop blends. Relatively few of these blends have been evaluated in SCN-infested fields. The SCN Coalition recommends having a discussion with your crop consultant or university extension expert before using a cover crop blend.
Checkoff-funded cover crop research
The United Soybean Board, North Central Soybean Research Program and several state soybean boards are supporting research on cover crops and SCN. There’s no published research yet showing that cover crops can consistently reduce SCN populations.
“The problem is, SCN eggs in their mother’s protective cyst can remain viable in the soil for more than a decade,” Bird says. “So we’re also looking at new approaches, including biological controls and trap crops, which are crops that attract nematodes but aren’t suitable hosts.
“For the past five years, my laboratory at Michigan State University has been searching to discover the first trap crop for SCN. We hope that our 2019 fall-planted cover crop, followed by a 2020 soybean crop, will identify the first true trap crop for SCN.”
Lastly, Bird reminds farmers that all varieties of the same cover crop are not created equal. “Select the best variety to meet your objective and manage it to achieve your objective. Specific details about using cover crops in SCN-infested fields in your area can be obtained from your state Extension nematologist.”
About The SCN Coalition
The SCN Coalition is a public/checkoff/private partnership formed to increase the number of farmers who are actively managing SCN. Our goal is to increase soybean farmers’ profit potential and realize higher yields. Partners in The SCN Coalition include university scientists from 28 states and Ontario, grower checkoff organizations including the North Central Soybean Research Program, United Soybean Board and several state soybean promotion boards, and corporate partners including BASF, Bayer, Pioneer, Growmark, Nufarm, Syngenta and Winfield United.
Cutline: If you’re planning to plant cover crops this fall but have soybean cyst nematode in your fields, The SCN Coalition recommends choosing cover crops that are nonhosts or poor hosts for SCN. (Photo courtesy of Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education)
