Iowa State professor warns of growing resistance of soybean cyst nematode

Iowa State University professor Greg Tylka warned of growing resistance of soybean cyst nematode to a common genetic resistance technique used by many farmers, the university announced on Wednesday.

The PI 88788 is a common gene sequence that is used to facilitate resistance against soybean cyst nematodes. Tylka states that there needs to be an alternative for soybean farmers as the gene's effectiveness is on a gradual decline.

"I have observed a slow but steady decrease in effectiveness of PI 88788 resistance against the soybean cyst nematode in Iowa over the past 15 years, and it is becoming a serious concern," Tylka said.

At a meeting of the North Central Committee on Practical Management of Nematodes in Corn, Soybeans and Other Crops of Regional Importance, it was decided that a multifaceted approach to pest management would facilitate a slowdown of the nematodes gaining resistance. This would include utilizing methods including alternating soybeans and non-host crops, seed treatments providing nematode protection and planting varieties of soybean cyst nematode resistant soybean crops.

In the report, the university states that on an annual basis approximately $1 billion in yield is lost due to this organism.

"Midwestern soybean farmers desperately need another type or source of resistance against this widespread pest," Tylka said.