Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) takes a huge bite out of U.S. farmers’ soybean yield potential and profitability, to the tune of $1.1 billion in losses each year. The pest routinely reduces yields in affected fields by at least 5 bushels and often more per acre, according to the Crop Protection Network.
Now, BASF announces it has developed an innovative tool – Nemasphere – that company leaders expect will eventually become the new standard for nematode management.
Nemasphere is the first-ever biotech trait designed to address SCN, according to Mike McCarville, trait development manager for BASF. He says the trait produces a novel Cry14 protein that when ingested by nematodes interferes with nutrient uptake in their intestines, leading to the nematodes’ death.
McCarville says Nemasphere will be stacked with Enlist E3 technology and available in a full range of “top-performing and best-yielding soybean seed varieties, allowing farmers unmatched SCN resistance without compromising yield potential.”
He anticipates the first soybean varieties with Nemasphere will be available to plant in 2028, pending regulatory approval.
Native Traits Lose Efficacy
For soybean growers who battle SCN using soybean varieties with native traits (PI 88788 and Peking), help can’t arrive soon enough.
“When SCN-resistant soybean varieties first became available for use in the field, they allowed less than 10% SCN reproduction, thus providing more than 90% control,” the SCN Coalition reports on its website.
Over time, native traits have become increasingly ineffective, due to resistance issues.
“Today, research shows that in some fields planted with varieties containing PI 88788 genetics, SCN reproduction levels are reaching 75% to 90%, which is just 10% to 25% control,” the Coalition reports.
The Coalition encourages soybean farmers to use a combination of traits, rotation and seed treatments in a coordinated effort to manage SCN. More information and resources are available at www.thescncoalition.com
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