The goal of the project will characterize fungal parasites of SCN eggs commonly found in NY State and identify beneficial root endophytes and fungi colonizing, antagonizing, or parasitizing the SCN. It will identify fungi that can be used as either root inoculants or seed treatments to protect soybeans from various biological stresses and enhance soybean productivity in the Midwest soybean production systems. The specific objectives of the project will be 1) characterize fungi found associated with SCN in NY State, and 2) screen these fungi for their antagonism to SCN via either secreted chemicals or direct parasitism.