Did you know that fungi in soil and roots can protect plants from pathogens? The most destructive pathogen of soybeans, worldwide, is the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a microscopic worm that invades soybean roots. I plan to identify fungal biocontrol agents of SCN by isolating fungi from soybean roots and testing their ability to kill this nematode. Results of my research may be used to develop environmentally-friendly methods to control SCN and other plant pathogens.