When discussing the tools available to combat Soybean Cyst Nematodes (SCN), we often talk about two modes of action. PI88788 & PEKING. These two weapons have been the two most effective tools we have. However, there are drawbacks when we look at their effectiveness in the war against SCN. Now, before you go into a panic, this is not a doomsday prophecy here, but it is meant to be a wake-up call when it comes to how we protect our crops against SCN and is a good lesson in the fight against any grain threat.
Let’s start with PI88788. It’s been a dependable tool for decades. That statement right there should give you a little pause. Decades. This means that no matter how effective it is, SCN has evolved to adapt to it and is showing signs of overcoming it.
Now on the PEKING traits, we are seeing more varieties of seeds coming out with PEKING and we are seeing great results… for now.
ISU Nematologist Dr. Greg Tylka continues this conversation with us about what he has seen happen with PI88788 and why he is worried if we go full throttle into PEKING products.
Again, this is not meant to throw you into despair. There are plenty of varieties out there of both PI88788 and PEKING. Tylka says that in a perfect world, there would be many more varieties of each, that would allow for strong rotation.
So, then why don’t we just take the PEKING and go for the full nuclear option? If it’s so effective, why not just blast them off the face of the Earth? Tylka reminds us that while it would be very effective at first, it would be like the few cockroaches that have survived nuclear war and accidents. The strong few always survive, and they learn to adapt. We need to keep a healthy rotation up to keep the nematodes at bay and to also keep the effectiveness of PI88788 and PEKING working longer.
You can learn more about what is being done in the fight against SCN at the SCN Coalition website.
