What are the Symptoms of SCN Infection?

The most commonly observed symptom associated with SCN is reduced yield. Visible symptoms of plant damage often are not seen, particularly in high yield environments.

SCN can cause yield reductions of 1 5 to 30% on susceptible varieties that show no visible symptoms of nematode damage.

1. Symptoms of SCN infection are not obvious. In this field, the susceptible variety (left) yielded 38% less than the resistant variety (right).

2. In a low-potassium field, SCN infection intensifies the potassium deficiency symptom.

3. Iron deficiency chlorosis can be mistaken for SCN infection and vice versa.

4. Poor stands caused by high levels of SCN look similar to those caused by seedling diseases.

5. Symptoms of SCN infection can be misdiagnosed as herbicide injury. (Unaffected rows are SCN-resistant).

6. SCN can cause stunting without associated yellowing. (Unaffected rows are SCN- resistant).

7. Infested fields - even those with high numbers of SCN - are not always evident.

8. Severe SCN infection can cause plant death.