Spatial Distribution of Soybean Cyst Nematode in Research Plots

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is a major pathogen of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the United States. The spatial distribution of SCN in 10 naturally infested research sites in North Dakota was examined between 2006 and 2009. Egg densities were measured in plots and expressed as arithmetic means or grouped into classes using two categorical scales based on the effect of SCN on yield. Data were used to determine spatial distribution, egg cluster sizes, minimum plot sizes, and replications in field experiments. SCN populations varied among plots from undetected to 25,800 eggs/100 cm³ of soil, and differences between adjacent plots were as high as sixfold. Mean to median ratios and Lloyd's index of patchiness suggested an aggregated distribution in nine of the 10 sites. SCN cluster sizes varied in five of the 10 sites and optimum plot size over all sites varied depending on calculation methods. The minimum number of replications needed to detect specific differences among plots varied between field sites. Grouping data into either of the two categories generally increased the ability to detect differences between plots. The spatial distribution of SCN can be a critical factor affecting design and outcomes of field experiments.