Iowa State University recently received a small grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to test for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in Iowa counties currently not known to be infested with the nematode. The grant will be used to process samples; your help is needed to collect samples from the targeted counties. Samples will be processed at no charge on a "first come, first served" basis, but priority will be given to processing samples from as many different counties as possible.

It is unlikely that more than two samples submitted by any person will be processed until late in the project. To submit samples for free testing for SCN as part of this program, observe the following guidelines.

• Submit the sample with a Plant Nematode Sample Submission Form (ask for PD-32 at your county extension office). Indicate the county where the field is located and complete the rest of the form, including addresses for the owner and collector. Samples submitted without a completed form will not be processed.
• Indicate the name of an ISU county extension education director or field crop specialist to whom results can be sent. This must be marked on the submission form. Results also will be sent to the sample collector.
• Write "USDA SCN Survey" somewhere on the submission form to indicate your participation in this program and to prevent billing.
• The sample must be collected from a field in one of the counties listed below.
• Send the sample and form to the ISU Plant Disease Clinic (the address is listed on the submission form).

Sampling guidelines

When collecting soil samples to scout for soybean cyst nematode, target "high-risk" areas of a field such as near field entrances, fence lines, low spots, previously flooded areas, and low-yielding areas. Collect 15 to 20 one-inch diameter soil cores, each about 6 to 8 inches deep, from within the area to be sampled. Use a zigzag or other systematic pattern when selecting areas to sample. Combine all soil cores in a bucket, mix well, and submit approximately 2 cups of soil.

Moist soil samples will be accepted, but muddy samples will not be processed.

Iowa counties eligible for the soybean cyst nematode survey are: Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Audubon, Cass, Clarke, Clinton, Crawford, Decatur, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Grundy, Ida, Iowa, Keokuk, Lucas, Lyon, Mahaska, Monroe, Montgomery, Page, Plymouth, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Scott, Sioux, Taylor, Union, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek, and Woodbury.