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These results indicate that the identified genes perform a critical biological role in soybean resistance to SCN and possibly other diseases.
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Industry Problem: The estimated annual value of soybean products is $46.6 billion, including $18.7 billion in the US. The soybean cyst nematode (SCN), which causes nearly $1 billion in annual yield losses in the US, is the most harmful soybean pest. Current methods to control or manage SCN, including crop rotation and nematicides, are expensive, time-consuming, or cause environmental problems. In some areas, economic factors also limit the use of crop rotation. Given the long-term demand for soybean products, the need exists for soybean plants that are resistant to SCN. Technology Solution: Researchers at the University of Tennessee have identified soybean genes that are resistant to SCN. Researchers bred transgenic plants from SCN-susceptible plants to test the resistance of the genes. Comparative analysis between the transgenic plants and a control group showed increased resistance to SCN with overexpression of the identified genes. In addition, expression levels of the identified genes in reactions between soybean and the soybean mosaic virus were compared. Expression of the identified genes showed to be up-regulated in incompatible reactions but not in compatible reactions. These results indicate that the identified genes perform a critical biological role in soybean resistance to SCN and possibly other diseases. Benefits: SCN-resistant soybean genes Transgenic SCN-resistant soybean plants Higher soybean crop yield.