A social media survey of over 400 farmers done by Pioneer in April in both the Western and Eastern Corn Belts showed significant corn nematode pressure. Pioneer’s Agronomy Science Manager Mary Brunz says over 40 percent reported enough corn nematode pressure to indicate a negative effect on yields.

She recommends producers take soil samples to detect any possible signs of corn nematodes and if they’re found there are some management steps that can be taken to deal with those.

Brunz advises farmers take preventative steps to deal with corn nematodes rather than reacting after they’ve shown up.

Brunz says dry or drought like weather can make it easier for nematodes to infect the corn.

Pioneer Agronomy Science Manager Mary Brunz.