This year, many Midwest farmers discovered first-hand the effect of root infection by the fungal pathogen that causes sudden death syndrome (SDS): yield losses of 40 percent were recorded in some fields. But it’s not just SDS that is limiting yield in soybean fields. Wounds caused by soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) and by maturing females [...]

Farmers will need to employ multiple tactics to improve soybean yield. The most important will be employing management tactics that improve soybean root health. A healthy soybean root is an important component to soybean yield. A soybean plant with a healthy root system is more efficient in taking up water and nutrients, and can better [...]

Although Nebraska farmers produced the nation’s highest soybean yields in 2009 averaging more than 54 bushels per acre, their biggest threat to high yields is coming on fast. The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) the nation’s number one yield robber is now found in nearly all Nebraska’s major soybean producing counties. In 2009, this tiny yield [...]