Nematodes in Soybeans
(See pictures below)
Cyst nematode injury is prevalent across southeastern North Carolina. Growers have sent pictures to me of problem soybeans with nutritional deficiency symptoms but the under lying cause of the problem is root injury from nematodes. When cyst populations get high enough the soybean plant will exhibit visual symptoms of stress. White oval shaped eggs can be seen dispersed throughout the root system when visual symptoms occur. There is nothing that can be done to correct the problem for this season but we can plan for the next growing season. Nematode samples can be collected as either diagnostic or routine samples while soil sampling this fall.
I suspect many growers will plant soybeans next year with falling commodity prices. This means more nematode problems particularly when beans are planted behind beans. There are many soybean varieties that offer nematode tolerance. The key is to match up nematode race and species with variety. Plan now to collect nematode samples while soil testing and plan to minimize problem for 2015. Call me when you receive test results and I will be glad to assist you develop a nematode management plan.
Fall Soil Sampling
Now is the time to begin preparing for the 2015 crop. Remember when collecting soil samples do not sample when it is extremely wet or dry. Lime recommendations can be misleading under these conditions. It is equally important to collect samples at the correct depth. Fields that are in no-till or permanent pasture or sod crops should be sampled no deeper than 4 inches. Conventionally tilled crops should be soil sampled to a depth of 6-8 inches deep. If these general guidelines are followed there should not be any concerns with lime recommendations.
There are a number of soil testing laboratories in NC that can provide excellent fertility recommendations. The State of NC will analyze soil samples for free except during the peak processing months of December, January, February and March. Private labs will analyze samples any time for a fee with rapid turn around time. When using laboratories from out of state ask for an NCDA fertility recommendation if concerned about pH range or lime recommendations.
If you have fertility questions or questions regarding nematode management, please feel free to give me a call. I can be reached at (910) 641-1531.
Sincerely,
Rick Morris
Harvey’s Agronomist
