Soybean savior - new gene blocks notorious nematode

By: Farms.com  

A research team at the University of Georgia and the University of Missouri has discovered a gene called GmSNAP02 that prevents the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) from infecting soybeans.  This discovery could lead to more effective resistance strategies against SCN, a persistent threat to soybean crops. The discovery could be a game-changer for soybean producers. 

The GmSNAP02 gene's role in resistance is a promising new tool for farmers, especially as SCN populations have bypassed PI 88788 genetic resistance, highlighting the urgent need for alternative solutions.  This discovery is especially timely as farmers adopt Peking-based resistance, a three-gene model. 

The potential to incorporate a nonfunctioning copy of GmSNAP02 into this model suggests a "quadruple stack" of resistance genes could be developed, enhancing the durability of resistance against SCN.  This approach could prevent the nematode from overcoming Peking resistance, ensuring long-term protection for soybean crops. 

The research is still underway, with efforts focused on developing plant material to test the gene's impact on crop yield. Interest from private breeders has surged, indicating the agricultural sector's recognition of SCN as a significant issue. Using CRISPR technology could help remove the GmSNAP02 gene, simplifying the implementation of this resistance strategy. 

As the research progresses, the team aims to understand how SCN targets the SNAP02 gene, which could lead to even more effective resistance methods. This gene discovery not only offers immediate solutions but also opens the door to future innovations in soybean nematode resistance.