Researchers and agricultural companies are working on various approaches to help control soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and reduce yield losses in the future. Farm Progress reports four key areas of development include:
- Nemasphere Nematode Resistance Trait: BASF is developing the first Bt trait for SCN control, expected for commercial release in 2028. Combining Bt resistance with native resistance shows promising yield improvements.
- On-Farm SCN Hatch Test: Purdue University is working on a portable test to determine SCN egg hatch potential, allowing farmers to decide whether to rotate crops to nonhosts to starve hatching nematodes.
- SCN Gene Research: The University of Georgia’s breakthrough research on SCN genes could lead to faster identification of SCN populations and improved resistance management for soybeans.
- Improved Resistance: The University of Missouri is developing soybean varieties with enhanced resistance to SCN by studying nematode genetics and testing SCN virulence levels in various soybean varieties.
These efforts aim to reduce SCN impact, improving future profitability through better resistance and management.
