Characterization of Virulence Phenotypes of Heterodera glycines during 2020 in Indiana

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is the most yield-limiting pathogen of soybean in the US. This study was carried out in order to provide updated information on SCN virulence phenotypes in Indiana. A total of 124 soil samples were collected from soybean fields in 2020 and all of them tested positive for SCN. The virulence phenotypes of 42 representative SCN populations were determined with seven soybean indicator lines using the standard HG type test. The most predominant HG types were 2.5.7 and 1.2.5.7, which accounted for 64% and 14% of the SCN populations tested, respectively. None of the SCN populations tested were rated as HG type 0, compared with 28% of the populations in a previous survey in Indiana during 2006–2008. Nearly 88% of the SCN populations evaluated in this study overcame the resistance provided by PI 88788, which is the most common source of resistance in soybean, up from 56% in the 2006–2008 survey. Approximately 14% of SCN populations tested were virulent to PI 548402 (Peking), in contrast to 0% in the 2006–2008 survey. This study reveals a trend of increasing virulence of SCN populations to resistant sources of soybean in Indiana. The results highlighted the importance of rotating soybean varieties with different types of resistance and identifying new sources of resistance for sustainable management of SCN.