The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), causes greater losses than any other soybean pathogen in the United States. Symptoms of SCN often include stunting and yellowing of the crop. Unfortunately these symptoms are not diagnostic and can also be associated with other pests, pathogens, drought, nutrient deficiencies and other factors.

Moreover, symptoms are not always visible and infections can go undetected for several years. SCN can cause 10 to 30 percent yield loss without any visible symptoms and even more significant losses when other plant stressors are present. For these reasons, it is important for...