Technology

Cyst Nematode Losses: According to researchers at the University of Missouri, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) accounts for nearly 40-50% of soybean yield loss associated with disease – more than three times that associated with Phytophthora, the next leading cause. In extreme cases SCN has caused yield losses of up to 60 percent. It is now found in almost every county within Latham’s marketing area. Many farmers don’t realize the extent of their SCN loss because typical above-ground symptoms, stunting and some yellowing, are not obvious even though root damage and nutrient loss may be severe.

Current SCN Soybeans: In recent years soybean lines have been introduced that give partial resistance to SCN, most notably the widely-used PI 88788 derived lines. Although partially effective, these lines often lack top yield and other desirable characteristics. They also have not typically reduced SCN soil populations, and large-scale losses continue.

What is CystX^Ò?: CystX is a new broad-based soybean cyst nematode resistance technology owned and patented by Purdue Research Foundation and represented exclusively to the industry by Access Plant Technology, Inc. It is an association of molecular markers with complete SCN resistance into a line called PUSCN-14. PUSCN-14 has four unlinked genes that convey broad-based resistance. When all four genes are present, CystX has shown complete SCN resistance to all known races of SCN.

CystX^Ò Advantages: In addition to broad-based SCN resistance (near-complete control of all known races), CystX breeding has broken the linkage between the resistance and poor yield and agronomic characteristics that have plagued breeders in the past. High agronomic performance is now possible. CystX also provides significant cyst soil population reductions. In a Purdue study, CystX planted in the same field reduced the cyst egg count by 83% the first year and 96% over four years. CystX varieties show an observed tolerance to Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), have healthier root systems, and possibly give higher test weights.

Latham CystX^Ò Breeding: Latham Seeds, under license, made its first CystX crosses in 1998. Since four genes are involved, three recessive, breeding requires many more generations of selection and testing to achieve pure CystX lines than in normal variety development. Latham has used winter nursery locations in south Florida, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Argentina to advance the testing generations, using a system of repetitive isoline reselection. Today’s Latham CystX soybeans are now believed to be the purest in the industry and are the first of this quality in the North Central region. Latham plans patent protection on its new varieties.

Near-Complete SCN Protection: Latham Seeds’ CystX soybeans offer near-complete to complete genetic resistance to all known races of SCN. Independent testing at Purdue University demonstrates the strength of SCN resistance in Latham’s CystX varieties. For example, testing in 2002 showed a total of 0-4 cysts on 50 CystX plants, compared to 1,000-2,500 cysts on susceptible varieties. Testing in 2003 shows near-perfect control in several new soybeans.

Not a Product of Biotechnology: CystX resistance was developed using traditional breeding methods, so CystX resistance creates no crop marketing restrictions. (Growers should note, however, that Roundup Ready[1] varieties with CystX resistance are, of course, a product of biotechnology.)

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CystX^Ò is a registered trademark of ACCESS Plant Technology, Inc.

[1] Roundup Ready is a registered trademark of Monsanto.

Note: CystX^Ò is not connected or related in any way to Cyst Tech^Ò.