2023
Yield enhancement through defoliating insect resistance
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Contributor/Checkoff:
United Soybean Board
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Biotic stressGeneticsPest
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Wayne Parrott, University of Georgia
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
23-209-S-B-5-A
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
United Soybean Board
$85,674
Institution Funded:
University of Georgia
$85,674
Brief Project Summary:
This project will provide novel caterpillar resistance genes and DNA marker information for breeders to use marker-assisted selection to develop caterpillar resistant varieties. Caterpillar resistant soybean varieties/germplasm from this project can be used by breeders as parental stock or soybean growers to increase the profitability and sustainability of USA soybean.
Information And Results
Project Summary

Project Objectives

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Non-GMO resistance to caterpillars exists in old soybean varieties, landraces, and wild relatives. This resistance is a resource that has not been effectively exploited for the development of modern soybean varieties until now. Yield trials conducted the past three years show a consistent yield advantage to having caterpillar resistance in elite soybean varieties, and the first elite soybean line with caterpillar resistance has been released to growers. In order to protect the usefulness of these resistance genes, additional resistance genes need to be characterized and deployed. Towards that end, we have successfully developed a pipeline of soybean germplasm in MG VI-VIII with resistance to insects.

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

Interest in non-GMO sources of caterpillar resistance in soybean is growing as caterpillar pests are becoming resistant to common insecticides. In addition, caterpillars are moving into the Midwest growing areas as climate keeps changing. Yield trials conducted the past three years show a consistent yield advantage to having caterpillar resistance in elite soybean varieties. Besides requiring fewer pesticide applications, caterpillar-resistant varieties should help protect yields and contribute to the overall sustainability of farming.

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.