Search the site

Pest: SCN

Founded by the North Central Soybean Research Program and funded by the Soybean Checkoff – this website provides a regional platform to access information on soybean pests and diseases -- from checkoff-funded research and from university soybean research and Extension programs in the 12 NCSRP partner states.

Your Soybean Checkoff.
Delivering Results.

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

North Dakota

Ohio

South Dakota

Wisconsin

Soybean Cyst Nematode - Life Cycle

The life cycle of SCN has three major stages: egg, juvenile, and adult female. The life cycle can be completed in 4 weeks under ideal conditions (soil temperatures at 75° F).

From: SCN Life Cycle, Iowa State University

SCN eggs released from a cyst.
Photo credit: Terry Niblack

Eggs develop into juveniles (J1, J2).

The second stage juveniles enter the soybean root to feed and grow.
Photo credit: Purdue University

Females then lay 50-100 eggs in an egg mass on their posterior end. Finally, the female fills up with 200 or more eggs.

Eventually, the egg-filled female dies and her body wall hardens to form a tough cyst around the eggs, as shown here.
Photo credit: Terry Niblack

Plant Health Initiative

Soybean Cyst Nematode - Life Cycle