Updated April 27, 2021:
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) are the cause of significant yield losses for Missouri soybean producers each year. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most economically important nematode species that infects soybeans, and it is found throughout the state of Missouri where soybeans are grown. Root-knot nematodes (RKN) cause major yield losses in southeast Missouri and often occur in the same field with SCN, particularly in sandy soils prevalent in the mid-south.
Reniform nematode (RN) is also an increasing threat to soybean production in southeast Missouri when soybean is grown
in rotation with cotton.
The primary goal of this project is to develop productive soybean germplasm and varieties for Missouri with resistance to multiple nematode species. This will be accomplished using SCN, RKN, and RN resistant sources with genes that are most effective against the species prevalent in the state. The work performed under this project will ensure the continued development of high yielding soybean cultivars with multi-nematode resistance for the delta region producers and ensure SCN resistance for the other portions of Missouri.