ISA Honors Terry Niblack with 2011 Excellence in Soybean Research Award

 A career dedicated to helping farmers solve pest problems, particularly with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) issues, earned Terry Niblack the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) 2011 Excellence in Soybean Research Award today.  Niblack is a professor of SCN management with the University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences.

"No one has done more to advance awareness and understanding of the soybean cyst nematode than Terry Niblack.  While her own personal discoveries have advanced soybean production, her tenacity and unending drive to bring together other researchers to focus on issues is one of her greatest accomplishments.  Terry is indeed an asset for our industry," says Matt Hughes, 2010-11 ISA vice chair and soybean farmer from Shirley, Ill.

Niblack works specifically in the biology and management of SCN, including interactions between nematodes and other pathogens in disease complexes like sudden death syndrome (SDS).  She also has expertise in scouting for nematodes and use of damage thresholds for management recommendations and screening for resistance to nematodes.  Niblack is exploring the genetic diversity of SCN in Illinois through field trials and other activities.

Among other honors during her career, Niblack has received the Wyffels Award for Faculty Excellence, College of ACES Team Award for Excellence, United Soybean Board Outstanding Achievement Award, Fellow of Missouri Institute of Instructional Technology Special Recognition Award and Southern Soybean Disease Workers Distinguished Service Award.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers.  The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions, and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans and administer legislation and membership programs. For more information, visit: www.ilsoy.org