Soybeans in Alabama may be broken by numerous nematodes with root-knot, soybean cyst and reniform nematodes the most typical culprits. Soil samples are one of the best ways to accurately decide if plant-parasitic nematodes are current in a subject.
The optimum time to pattern soybeans for nematodes is in September or October because the crop matures. That is when nematode populations needs to be peaking so they’re simple to detect and will inform growers what they may face the next rising season.
The worst time to pattern for nematodes is in late winter via early spring as nematode inhabitants ranges are at their lowest and is probably not detectable.
Nematode soil samples may be diagnostic or preventative. Diagnostic samples deal with parts of the sphere the place crops look stunted or abnormally yellow throughout the season indicating a potential downside space. Diagnostic samples ought to encompass soil samples from the sting of the affected space in addition to a second pattern from a comparatively regular a part of the sphere for functions of comparability.
Preventative samples are for fields the place the grower is eager about figuring out what potential issues await, particularly when contemplating new land to farm. Preventative sampling consists of amassing random samples from the entire subject. Growers can divide the sphere into 5- to 10-acre sections and accumulate 15-20 random samples of soil from every part by following a “zigzag” sample throughout the sphere.
Soil samples needs to be collected from the highest 6 to eight inches of soil utilizing a soil probe or shovel with samples taken instantly from the foundation zone if crops are nonetheless current. Combine samples completely and take away 1 pint of soil for the laboratory evaluation.
Place soil in a zipper lock bag and keep away from exposing samples to extreme warmth or freezing situations, and don’t let samples dry out. Retailer samples in a cool space till cargo may be made to the diagnostic laboratory.
Maintain written data of the quantity and origin of every pattern. For us to make a helpful suggestion, the next data should be given: (a) earlier crop historical past and (b) crop to be planted. This data, together with the title and handle the place lab outcomes are to be mailed, may be positioned on the “Data Sheet for Nematode Soil Samples” (Kind ANR-F7), accessible at Alabama Cooperative Extension workplaces.
Mail samples to the Plant Diagnostic Laboratory, 961 S. Donahue Dr., Auburn College, AL 36849-5624. The service cost for nematode soil testing is $10.00, however we’re presently working free nematode soil samples for soybean growers in Alabama.
Help for the free service comes from funding from the Soybean Cyst Nematode Coalition and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. That is for nematode testing solely and we are going to solely settle for samples which are collected from present soybean fields and/or fields that have been in soybeans final yr or shall be going into soybeans in 2022. We’d settle for a most of three samples per farm as we now have restricted funds for this service.
