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MO Soybean researching SCN resistant gene

A farmer in northeast Missouri says the state’s soy checkoff is in the process of researching a new resistant gene that protects soybeans against Soybean Cyst Nematode.

Mark Lehnbauer, chairman of the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, tells Brownfield “we’ve all planted resistant varieties, but we’ve also found there’s resistance being built up, too, around SCN. Varieties aren’t as effective as they once were.”

According to the SCN Coalition, resistance can negatively impact soybean yield and the pest is present in 85% of Missouri’s soybean fields.

Nematodes have evolved to overcome the effectiveness of a gene called PI 88788 that’s currently used in commercial soybeans to overcome SCN. Lehnbauer says the new gene, called GmSNAP02, is different, because it introduces a lock-and-key resistance method to prevent nematodes from attacking plant roots and reduce reproduction.

Lehnbauer says he’s optimistic the new gene can help improve yields in SCN-infected fields.

“We need lots of tools in the toolbox.”

The gene is currently in the development and testing phase and Missouri Soybeans tells Brownfield the technology could be available in soybeans in the next few years.