First report of Heterodera glycines infecting commercial dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Canada

Edible bean is an important human protein source, and Canada is the fifth largest exporter worldwide. Soybean cyst nema-tode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is a key soybean (Glycine max L.) pest, though it also infects dry beans (Phaseolus spp.). Cysts were observed on black bean roots in a commercial field in Bruce County, Ontario, in August 2018. Based on morphologi-cal characteristics, molecular evidence and pathogenicity experiments, SCN was confirmed. This is the first report of naturally occurring SCN infection associated with visible plant damage in a commercial dry bean field in Canada, which is a potential threat to this important niche industry.