Soybean cyst nematode is the most significant disease threat to soybean ptoduction in the United States, and it continues to spread in North Dakota. Management tools for SCN are available, but a 15-30% yield loss is common before above ground symptoms appear, making proactive identification and monitoring critical for two different reasons. First, soil sampling is the best way to initially detect SCN, this is increasingly important in the western, central, and nonheastern pans of the state. Second, monitoring egg levels allows growers to evaluate how well their management tools are working and is increasingly important in the southeast and east central parts of the state. In 2013, the NDSC and NDSU developed a free-sampling-bag program for growers, in order to encourage growers to sample for SCN. Since 2013, over 4,000 samples have been sublhitted by North Dakota producers using this program. Maps generated from the project have served as a highly-leveraged tool to increase awareness of the expanding SCN problem in North Dakota. We propose to continue this sampling program in 2021.

l . Provide incentive for growers to sample for SCN by covering the cost of up to three SCN samples (pre-labeled bags) per grower on a first-come first-serve basis (up to 2,000).
2. Creation of a SCN distribution map (limited resolution — no farms or growers can be identified) that can be used to determine how widespread SCN is. This map will be widely distributed in an effort to encourage growers to sample and/or manage SCN.
3. Create and distribute grower-friendly Extension publication of results (2013-2020) and impacts of the sampling program SCN sampling program.

l . Sample bags distributed to soybean growers.
2. Maps of SCN distribution in the state. These will be distributed throughout winter and summer events, websites, the NDSU Crop and Pest Report, ag media and others.
3. Extension publication that details results and impact of the SCN Sampling program
(2013-2020). We anticipate this as a grower-friendly infographic with maps and graphs.

Updated December 1, 2021:
2021 Mid-Term Progress Report
Prepared by: Sam Markell
Date: 12/01/21

SCN sampling bags were delivered to every NDSU County Extension office in the first two weeks of August, 2021. Instructions and sampling forms were sent along with sampling bags, and also through NDSU listservs. Print, radio and TV interviews were conducted in attempt to emphasize the importance of sampling and the opportunity provided by the North Dakota Soybean Council and program. Upon request, sampling bags (and materials) were provided to multiple crop consultants, elevators and other grower-advisors directly by Dr. Markell.

Sampling is likely done for the year, although growers and their advisors can sample anytime until freeze-up. Beginning December 1st, draft maps will be created. Final maps for 2021 will be created for use in winter programming, beginning early January. Maps will be distributed at winter meetings (real and/or virtual), through NDSU Extension, the SCN Coalition (www.thescncoalition.com), willing media partners and likely by partnerships (magazine, media, etc..) with the North Dakota Soybean Council and North Dakota Growers Association. We thank the North Dakota Soybean Council for their support.

Direct benefits are anticipated for both growers who, 1) do not know if they have SCN, and 2) have been dealing with SCN for years. For growers who do not know if they SCN, or are in areas where distribution of SCN is expanding (the western, central and northern parts of the state), this program benefits them by providing them a mechanism and incentive (lab fees paid by NDSC) to sample for SCN. Early detection ofSCN is critical to avoiding yield loss and proactively management the nematode. For growers who know they have SCN, this program benefits provides them by providing a mechanism and incentive to determine their SCN egg count, which can help them evaluate how well their management tools are working.
Secondary benefits, such as incleased awareness of SCN, are anticipated. This includes the increased talk among growers about SCN, many press interviews and importantly and positive press for both NDSU Extension and the NDSC and their missions to serve the ND growers.