Four years of research from a team of scientists at the University of Missouri, the University of Georgia, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has led to the discovery of a new gene- GmSNAP02- that the soybean industry will be able to use to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN). SCN attacks soybean plants in a way that can be difficult to detect, so having genetic resistances is key. Eric Oseland, Director of Agronomy and Research for Missouri Soybeans, said the current SCN gene that is in production has seen lower efficacy due to prolonged usage, so a new gene is an amazing development.
Oseland said this new gene essentially starves any nematodes that try to eat the soybean plant’s roots.
This discovery hasn’t just taught us more about soybean genetics, though. Oseland said this process has helped them learn more about SCN as well.
The next step for this gene is to get it integrated into high-yielding soybean varieties across the country. Farmers in Iowa can potentially look forward to seeing the benefits of this research in the not-too-distant future. While there is no specific deadline, Oseland said researchers are already working hard to get the gene integrated within the next few years.
Oseland added that this discovery also proves the value of investing in research programs.
Click here for the full research compiled by the team of scientists.
