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New Soybean Cyst Nematode lab to expand SCN testing capacity

Construction is underway on a new Soybean Cyst Nematode Diagnostics Lab at the University of Missouri.

Mandy Bish, a plant pathologist at MU, says she will be directing the facility, and the lab will help streamline SCN testing.

“Demand for nematode research, both with SCN and other nematodes, has increased by more than 100 percent in the last three years. Our systems are a little archaic to handle that need.”

She says the new 3,200 square foot lab is almost double the size of the current lab and offers adequate space for handling soil samples. There’s also going to be a clean lab “where we can do our microscopy work, and do more DNA and molecular work that’s really going to speed up our ability to serve our clientele.”

The Missouri Soybean Association collaborated with state lawmakers and Governor Mike Kehoe to secure $4 million for the lab. Missouri Soybeans CEO Casey Wasser says only half of that money was provided now, and the rest of the money is expected in the next fiscal year, unless there’s a dramatic funding shortfall in the state.

He says it was time for a lab upgrade to help combat SCN resistance.

“We’re trying to find ways to create traits that extend resistence in the soybean plant, which is good, but you simply have the population in the field. To reduce the field population, that’s where the lab really comes in handy.”

Bish says the lab will be located on the east campus of MU.

“It’s actually going to be inside the East Campus Plant Growth Facility.”

Construction is expected to be completed in July, just in time for SCN soil sampling this fall.

Missouri farmers can also get a free SCN analysis through MU’s SCN Diagnostics Lab, courtesy of Missouri Soybeans.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Bish.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Wasser.