On Monday, BASF unveiled the first and only biotechnology trait for Soybean Cyst Nematode, called Nemashphere. The new trait will provide growers with SCN resistance without limiting yield potential.
SCN is the number one yield-robbing pest in soybeans in the United States. Nematodes cost growers collectively $1.5 billion in yield loss each year according to research by BASF.
In addition to lost yields, the effectiveness of current SCN traits is on the decline. With the large majority of the current SCN resistant varieties relying on the PI 88788 resistance source, soybeans have started to develop resistance to PI 88788 making it less effective.
That is Mike McCarville, BASF trait development manager. He says farmers have made it clear that they are looking for more answers to deal with SCN in their fields.
BASF is attempting to assist farmers in resisting SCN and still reaching full yield potential with Nemasphere and its completely novel mode of action.
Nemasphere will be stacked with the Enlist E3® herbicide tolerance trait and available in a full range of the top-performing and best-yielding soybean seed varieties according to BASF.
BASF is in its eighth year of advanced field testing of Nemasphere in North America, including more than 200 field trials in the United States. On average, Nemasphere boosts yield potential by 8%. Nemasphere is anticipated to be available in 2028, pending regulatory approval.
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