Soybean, an excellent source of oil and protein, is becoming an important source of biodiesel. The growing demand for soybeans from the food, feed, and energy sectors will require higher yields and sustainable production in the future. Unfortunately, soybeans are also subject to attack by a variety of pathogens. An estimate of the average annual soybean yield suppression from pathogen attacks in the United States from 2003 to 2005 was valued at 2.26 billion dollars.

Genetic engineering of soybean with novel, stable and broad-spectrum resistance is becoming crucial for protecting soybean from its pathogens. Current knowledge and genetic resources, however, are largely inadequate for...