Updated February 1, 2021:
The 5th growing season for this project has been completed and data is currently being compiled. Efforts from previous seasons identified plant introductions (breeding material) resistant to Cercospora leaf blight (CLB) and other foliar diseases. A simpler, improved rating scale was developed for evaluating CLB, a disease with multiple aboveground symptoms. Efforts will continue to identify markers for CLB resistance, which will greatly improve breeder efficiency. Advanced breeding lines and publicly available varieties have been identified with resistance to CLB and other diseases. Plant samples from multiple trial locations in 7 states have yielded pathogen isolate collections from 2018, 2019, and 2020. Isolates are currently being genetically characterized and compared across locations as well as screened for fungicide (QoI) resistance. We have identified publicly available sources of resistance to stink bugs. Crosses are advancing to produce elite, high yielding soybean varieties that will reduce the number of insecticide applications needed to protect the crop, reducing producer inputs while maximizing profits.