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Rutgers scientists have developed a new method for inducing resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) by using root-specific RNA interference (RNAi) technology.
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Invention Summary Rutgers scientists have developed a new method for inducing resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) by using root-specific RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Specifically, RNAi was used to express small RNAs targeting a critical SCN ribosomal gene under the root-specific promoter in soybean plants. Homozygous transgenic soybean plants were then selected and tested against SCN. These transgenic plants demonstrated approximately 40 to 80% more resistance to SCN relative to control plants lacking the RNAi molecules. The SCN infection assay showed that the high expression of siRNA in the T1 and T2 transgenic soybean roots led to significant reduction in the SCN egg numbers, indicating the effectiveness of this RNAi approach. Market Application Soybean; Agriculture; Plant Biotechnology; Transgenic Plants; Soybean Cyst Nematode Resistance Advantages • Chemical-free, eco-friendly • Root specific expression of the transgene • Transgene is only expressed in the non-edible part of the plant • No known side effect/toxicity associated • Simple, economical