Unlocking new resistance against soybean pests

USAgNet - 02/07/2024

Researchers from the University of Georgia and the University of Missouri have made a discovery in the fight against the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), introduce a gene that effectively locks out the pest from soybean plants. This gene, GmSNAP02, acts as a barrier, preventing SCN from accessing and damaging the soybean.

The significance of this discovery comes at a critical time, as the soybean industry's reliance on the PI 88788 genetic resistance has led to widespread SCN resistance, threatening soybean yields across the U.S. The introduction of GmSNAP02 as a resistance gene could revolutionize the industry's approach to managing SCN, offering a viable alternative to the less effectiveness of current resistance sources.

The research team is exploring the integration of GmSNAP02 into existing Peking-based resistance models, which already utilize a three-gene approach. By adding GmSNAP02 to the mix, the possibility of a "quadruple stack" of resistance genes emerges, significantly enhancing the soybean's defense mechanisms against SCN and reducing the risk of resistance breakdown.

The enthusiasm for this discovery extends beyond the research community, with significant interest from the private sector signaling a readiness to adopt and further develop this resistance strategy. The feasibility of using CRISPR technology to incorporate the GmSNAP02 gene into soybean varieties suggests a streamlined path towards commercialization.

As the project moves forward, the focus will also include understanding the mechanisms by which SCN targets the SNAP02 gene, with the goal of further strengthening soybean resistance. This gene discovery represents a major advancement in soybean pest management, with the potential to secure soybean production against the threats posed by SCN for years to come.

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