Changes to billing of nematode testing for Michigan soybean growers

Jan Byrne<byrnejm@msu.edu> and Angela Tenney<millera3@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Plant & Pest Diagnostics - October 06, 2025

The Michigan Soybean Committee will discontinue the funding for nematode analysis at the end of 2025.

An extreme closeup of a soybean root with soybean cyst nematodes, which look like small, brown cysts. — Soybean cyst nematode on soybean roots. Photo by Angela Tenney, MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics.

The Michigan Soybean Committee values the longstanding collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU) Plant & Pest Diagnostics. For many years, the Michigan Soybean Committee has supported soybean growers by funding the cost of nematode identification and quantification from soil samples. This funding has played a key role in helping growers monitor and manage nematode pressure in soybean fields.

Due to decreased soybean prices, the Michigan Soybean Committee is making budget changes. The Michigan Soybean Committee will discontinue the funding of the nematode analysis at the end of 2025. Growers who wish to take advantage of Michigan Soybean Committee-sponsored testing before the funding ends are asked to limit submissions to 10 samples per grower. Funding for soybean cyst nematode type tests will end immediately. This will help ensure that remaining resources can continue through the 2025 season.

MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics will continue to offer high-quality nematode testing services. However, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the lab will begin charging submitters directly for nematode sample analysis. The cost for a basic nematode analysis is $25 per sample and $75 for type tests; clients will be billed for the processing fee(s) after diagnostic work is completed.

We recognize the important role this program has played in helping growers identify and manage soybean cyst nematode pressure. The Michigan Soybean Committee encourages soybean growers to continue actively monitoring soybean cyst nematode population levels by continuing to submit soybean cyst nematode samples, thus safeguarding long-term productivity.

If you have questions or concerns about the funding changes, contact Mark Seamon at the Michigan Soybean Committee at mseamon@michigansoybean.org. Questions about nematode sampling and testing can be sent to Angie Tenney at MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics at millera3@msu.edu.

Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to soybean health and productivity.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).