Combatting SCN takes multiple effective modes of action
February 27, 2023
This article was originally posted on February 27, 2023 and updated in January, 2026 with new information.
In short...
- Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most yield limiting “disease” in North America1
- Syngenta offers a unique seed treatment to battle SCN in soybeans, Victrato® Complete
- Victrato Complete increased soybean yield by 2+ bu/ac, compared to standard seed treatments4
Should I worry about soybean cyst nematodes?
- Yield loss: Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most damaging soybean pathogen in North America.1 Under severe SCN pressure, with no cyst protection, farmers can experience up to 50% yield loss, and even fields with no visual symptoms can see up to a 10% yield loss.2
- Spreading threat: SCN was first identified in Canada in a field near Chatham, Ontario in 1988. Since then, there has been a steady expansion of SCN-infected acres in Canada, now covering most of eastern Canada and parts of Manitoba.3
- Resistance: Historically, soybeans have been protected from SCN by native traits PI88788 and Peking, but according to the SCN Coalition, resistance to the common PI88788 gene is on the rise and prolonged use of Peking will lead to similar resistance issues.3
- SCN damage is often colonized by Fusarium virguliforme, the causal agent of sudden death syndrome (SDS). SDS is considered the second most impactful yield limiter.4
It is time to actively manage SCN with multiple tools to protect yield and profitability.
What can I do to manage SCN resistance?
- Take a soil test to find out if you have SCN.
- Rotate resistant varieties.
- Rotate to non-host crops.
- Consider using a seed treatment to add a second effective mode of action against SCN.
Syngenta is excited to offer a unique seed treatment to battle SCN in soybeans,
Victrato® Complete.
What is Victrato Complete seed treatment?
- A novel mode of action to protect soybean yield: Victrato Complete contains a novel active ingredient, TYMIRIUM® technology that has nematicide and fungicide properties to protect yield from the start.
- A simple, comprehensive solution: Victrato Complete is a simple, complete seed treatment solution, that covers off the major below-ground pests you need and expect as a farmer in Eastern Canada.
- A consistent tool to protect yield: Victrato Complete has consistently increased yields by 2+ bu/ac, compared to standard seed treatments. 5
What are my seed treatment options?
For many years, Syngenta has been pleased to offer products like Saltro® to provide that second mode of action over genetics to deliver SCN suppression for your soybeans. As soybean growers transition to Victrato Complete as a complete package, Saltro® will retire.
See the benefits in switching to Victrato Complete over Saltro® .
| Victrato Complete | Saltro® |
|---|
| What does it do? | Protection from soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS).
Protection from other major below-ground soybean diseases, including Pythium, Fusarium, and Phytophthora. | Suppression of SCN
Control of sudden death syndrome (SDS) |
| What is it? | Conventional seed treatment based on 5 active ingredients:
Novel TYMIRIUM® technology (Group 7, Group N-3)
Sedaxane (Group 7)
Metalaxyl-M and S-isomer (Group 4)
Fludioxonil (Group 12)
Picarbutrazox (Group U17) | Conventional seed treatment based on one active ingredient: ADEPIDYN® (Group 7) |
| Yield impact | 2.4 bu/ac average increase at 81% frequency when TYMIRIUM® technology was added to a standard seed treatment, regardless of SCN or SDS pressure5.
| 4.3 bu/ac average improvement under heavy SDS/SCN pressure in ON from 2018-2020 (n=33)
3.1 bu/ac average improvement under SCN pressure (n=10) |
| Treating highlights | Victrato Complete Co-pack = Vayantis® IV RFC 56.78 L tote+ Victrato 2 21.8 L tote
1 co-pack treats 2060 units
Common rate: Victrato 2 with TYMIRIUM® technology at 50 mL/100 kg seed and Vayantis IV RFC at 130 mL/100 kg seed | 2 x 10 L cases
1 jug treats approximately 400 units
100 mL/100 kg seed |
If you’re interested in Victrato Complete seed treatment on your soybeans this season, speak to your local seed dealer.
Performance evaluations are based on internal trials, field observations and/or public information. Data from multiple locations and years should be consulted whenever possible. Individual results may vary depending on local growing, soil, and weather conditions. Always read and follow label directions.
1 Crop Protection Network, 2023: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/soybean-disease-loss-estimates-from-the-united-states-and-ontario-canada-2023
2 Wang et al. Plant Disease 93:623-6280
3 SCN Coalition, January 10, 2025. https://www.thescncoalition.com/news/2025/01/10/scn-survey/
4 Top Crop Manager, 2000. https://www.topcropmanager.com/sudden-death-syndrome-continues-to-spread-in-southern-ontario/#:~:text=One%20reason%20why%20the%20diseases,pathogens%20to%20enter%20and%20establish.
5 Source: Syngenta Research Authorizations and small plot R&D trials conducted in Eastern Canada in 2023 (n = 37). Shows yield difference with the addition of TYMIRIUM® technology to various fungicide and insecticide base treatments. Fungicide and insecticide base treatments include market standards (Fortenza® and Vayantis® IV RFC, Fortenza Vayantis IV RFC and Lumisena™, or Acceleron® Standard).
Always read and follow label directions. Victrato® Complete is an on-seed application of Vayantis® IV RFC fungicide seed treatment and Victrato 2 with TYMIRIUM® technology fungicide/nematicide seed treatment. ADEPIDYN® , Draco™, Fortenza® , Rooting Power® , Saltro®, TYMIRIUM®, Vayantis® , Vibrance®, Victrato®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
