2020
Evaluation of Available Resistance in Soybean to Southern Root-knot Nematode
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Contributor/Checkoff:
South Carolina Soybean Board
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Biotic stressCrop protectionField management Pest
Parent Project:
Evaluation of Available Resistance in Soybean to Southern Root-knot Nematode
Lead Principal Investigator:
John Mueller, Clemson University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Jonathan Croft, Clemson University
Project Code:
2013805
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
South Carolina Soybean Board
$6,000
Leveraged Funding (Non-Checkoff):
none
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Institution Funded:
Clemson University
$6,000
Brief Project Summary:

Growers have been experiencing extreme damage and plant death due to root-knot nematode even when growing soybean varieties reported to be resistant. Repeatedly growing resistant soybeans may have selected for new races or even species of root-knot nematode. This project aims to identify the cause of increased yield losses on Southern root-knot resistant soybeans. It uses test sites to develop model nematode management schemes for typical farms. This includes use of total farm nematode surveys and the resistance status of varieties tested at each location. The work then provides growers with visual evidence of the problem and improved management practices.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Reports will be submitted to the Soybean Board as requested on a quarterly basis. Growers will be able to view all 4 sets of plots at field days in September. Results from the test will be distributed to growers and agents in January in the form of Fact Sheets or a newsletter. Results will also be presented at county production meetings.


Objective 1: Grower fields in 4 counties will be used as test sites to study this phenomenon. Possible causes include shifts in races, selection of new species due to repeated use of the same sources of resistance, or the presence of other nematode species. Progress in Objective 1 will be measured by identification of new races or species or confirming that it is the high density of root-knot nematodes or additional nematode species, not shifts in virulence causing the problem.

Objective 2: Progress in Objective 2 will be measured by the development of nematode management schemes and a list of varieties that are suitable for use in each field on the test farms.

Progress in Objective 3 will be measured by the number of growers attending field days and meetings as well as the acreage planted in 2021 to soybean varieties identified by this research as more tolerant of root-knot nematode damage. The number of growers taking advantage of “prepaid” nematode samples for their own farms will also be a measure of grower interest and utilization.

Final Project Results

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.