SCN has an amazing array of metabolite-synthesizing pathways, and is able to synthesize an array of nutrients that other animals cannot. The researcher will examine metabolites that are known, or suspected, to influence the SCN's ability to target soybean roots for infection, or that can affect the ability of SCN to lay eggs once infection is established. This data may identify the type of enzymes/proteins that need to be targeted for genomic studies.

The main objective is to determine why particular metabolites directly affect:

~ Infection rate of SCN;
~ Cyst formation of SCN; and
~ Determine if there is any adverse affect of metabolite treatments on soybean yield.
...