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The latest checkoff-funded research is bringing new tools into the arena to fight soybean cyst nematodes (SCN). A lot of the focus is trying to find novel sources of genetic resistance to integrate that into varieties for growers through gene editing.
According to Melissa Mitchum, nematologist with the University of Georgia, 95 percent of resistant soybeans are from PI88788.
“Over the last couple of decades, repeated planting of that type of resistance has led to nematodes that are resistant to it, and it’s losing its effectiveness,” she said. “The focus for researchers is to try to identify novel genetic resistance that can either be permitted with the PI88788 type of resistance or used in rotation with that resistance to offer additional tools to the grower.”
The focus of this research is to figure out the right combinations of genes that will be effective against nematodes and how to deploy them into a field.
“For the future, we’re looking towards the future for prescriptive SCN management, so coupling the genetic resistance with the type of limited population that farmers have in their fields,” said Mitchum. “That is only going to be possible if we understand the genetics on the nematode side.”
Researchers were able to get a blueprint of the SCN genome in 2019. Mitchum said that means they can determine what genes make it reproduce on resistant varieties.
“Then we can develop a better molecular diagnostic tool that will allow us to type a farmer’s field population much more quickly,” she said. “Our breeders are actively working to identify additional types of genetic resistance. We need to work and partner with industry to get that into commercial varieties that farmers can plant, and that’s going to offer them novel tools. We also need to couple that with non-host crop rotation.”
The SCN Coalition has a collection of management and research videos called ‘Let’s Talk Todes’. Those resources can be found here.