New Insect Resistant Genes in Soybean

Summary

Collaborative research within the Departments of Entomology and Crop and Soil Sciences has identified resistance genes to indigenous and invasive insect pests. Insect resistant soybean varieties can be used in integrated pest management programs by Georgia soybean producers to increase profit and sustainability by reducing use of broad spectrum insecticides.

Situation

Soybean in Georgia is infested by many different native insect pests such as soybean loopers, velvetbean caterpillars, and stink bugs. Also, new invasive insects such as kudzu bugs are now threatening soybean production in Georgia. Kudzu bugs were first detected in Georgia in 2009 and have currently spread throughout most of the southeastern United States. Large infestations have occurred on soybean in Georgia with up to 100 adults per plant (soybeans are planted with 6-8 plants/foot of row with about 15,000 linear feet of plants/acre = 12 million kudzu bugs/acre). Yield loss of over 50% has occurred in research plots with losses of 5-30% common with farmers. These type losses cannot be tolerated by soybean growers. Research was needed on soybean resistance to the many insect pests that occur in Georgia soybeans.

Response

Collaborative research between the Departments of Entomology and Crop and Soil Sciences was conducted to evaluate resistance to kudzu bugs and native pests in soybean. The research team includes a soybean breeder, a molecular biologist, and an entomologist. The research in 2014-2015 included lab, greenhouse, and field experiments on UGA campus, at the Plant Sciences Farm near Athens, the Southeastern Branch Research and Education Center near Midville, and the Mountain Branch Research and Education Center near Blairsville. Numerous Asian soybean lines were tested for resistance to kudzu bugs and defoliator pests. Native insect resistance genes were introgressed into an elite cultivar, 'Benning', using marker assisted selection. The 'Benning' resistant soybean were tested against 'Benning' susceptible plants in large plot tests at the UGA Southeastern Branch Research and Education Center under heavy insect infestation. The resistant 'Benning' had less insect damage and higher yield than the susceptible soybean.

Impact

Soybean breeding efforts have resulted in the identification of resistance native pests like soybean looper and for invasive pests such as the kudzu bug. Using such cultivars could increase profits for farmers, while resulting in reduced need for pesticides in the environment.

State Issue

Agricultural Profitability and Sustainability

Details

• Year: 2015
• Geographic Scope: International
• County: Clarke
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources