Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the No. 1 yield-robbing pathogen of the soybean crop in North America, but do you have any idea how much it’s costing you? The SCN Coalition’s new SCN Profit Checker tool can give you an idea. Powered by data from 25,000+ university research plots, this tool estimates that economic toll, field by field, driving home the need for active SCN management.
Ready to know your numbers? Let’s get started.
In which state is your soybean field of interest located?
If your state is not listed, there currently is not enough SCN data available from your state to estimate your SCN yield or profit loss.
Enter the SCN egg count (per 100 cc of soil) for the field.
This is an estimate of the population density of SCN in the field, which has a great effect on the risk of yield loss. Be sure to check how your SCN results are expressed (size of soil sample). You may need to adjust the number of eggs to 100 cc (almost a half-cup) of soil. If you have an SCN cyst count, you can multiply that by 100 for a rough conversion to an SCN egg count.
An SCN soil test isn’t required to use the calculator, but taking the test will give you a more accurate loss estimate. Learn more about testing for SCN.
Enter your SCN female index on PI 88788.
If a number automatically appears in the calculator, an expert from your state has provided a default female index. The female index provides an indication of how well an SCN population can reproduce on SCN-resistant breeding lines, like PI 88788, Peking, etc. This also has a great effect on potential yield loss.
The tool considers the SCN population’s female index on PI 88788 because it’s the breeding line used in almost all SCN-resistant soybean varieties, and many SCN populations no longer are effectively controlled by this type of resistance.
If you have had an HG type test done on the SCN population in the field and know the female index on PI 88788, please replace the default value for your state with the known female index. If you do not know your female index of the SCN population in your field on PI 88788 and a default for your state is not available, explore other options.
Enter the percentage of sand and the pH of the soil in the field.
Increased SCN reproduction occurs in soils with high pH (above 7.0) as well as in well-drained soils with high sand content.
Enter your yield expectation and projected soybean price for the field.
Your yield expectation can be a five-year average or a yield goal. Your projected soybean price can be the current local cash bid or a price target.
