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An ideal program to manage soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestations should integrate the following: detection through scouting and sampling procedures and crop rotations utilizing nonhost crops and SCN-resistant soybean varieties. Maintaining proper soil fertility and pH, managing other soybean diseases and pests, and proper planting methods also help to keep plants vigorous and better able to buffer the effects of SCN. The most effective management systems have and will continue to involve integrated approaches. No single method will manage SCN as effectively. The success story of managing SCN has been the use of resistant varieties. Twenty years ago, only a small number of varieties that resisted SCN were available. Today, through the efforts of public and private soybean breeders, this list has expanded to approximately 700 lines, adaptable to Illinois and available for the 2001 growing season. Marion Shier, crops systems educator, Livingston County, compiles yearly a list of public and private varieties resistant to SCN titled "Soybean Varieties with Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance." All varieties are listed by maturity group and relative maturity within the groupings, a coding system is used that designates companies making the variety available, and a listing of race resistance and source of resistance for each variety is included. The Illinois Checkoff Board has published this listing in booklet form, and free copies may be obtained by contacting: The Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board 1605 Commerce Parkway Bloomington, IL 61704 Telephone: (309)663-7692 FAX: (309)663-6981 E-mail: ilsoy@ilsoy.org Limited numbers of the booklet are available also by contacting the author of this article. Resistant varieties are the foundation for IPM approaches in managing SCN as well as other plant diseases. Some distinct advantages of using host resistance are that the pest control is purchased with the seed, is compatible with other management practices, and has few adverse effects on the environment, and the cost is minimal in most cases.--Dale I. Edwards
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