Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) cause subtle to severe losses in Virginia soybeans. In some cases, PPN predispose plants to other diseases and cause even more losses such as with sudden death syndrome (SDS). A survey of nematode populations in soybean production areas of Virginia was conducted annually from 2016 to 2019. In this survey, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) has the greatest potential to suppress soybean yield and was identified in 14% (N=68) of 477 fields samples. In addition to crop rotation with a non-host, crop host resistance is one of the most effective and economical approaches to nematode management. The combined effect of cultural practices, resistant varieties and seed treatments need to be investigated in Virginia to provide better field-specific recommendations in managing both pathogens.

1) Survey production practices and their effects on soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS).
2) Characterize soybean cyst nematode (SCN) races in fields known to be infested with these nematodes.
3) Evaluate variety resistance, seed treatment alone and in combination for reducing losses to SCN and SDS in Virginia soybeans.