Soybean: Brazil will have first combined biotechnology against two types of nematode

Soybean production in Brazil is set to gain, in the coming years, an unprecedented ally in the fight against two of the most challenging pests of the crop: root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). A licensing agreement signed between Basf, Corteva Agriscience, and M.S. Technologies will allow a new nematode-resistant trait (NRS, in English) to be incorporated into soybean varieties cultivated in the country. This development represents the first commercially available transgenic solution for the control of these pests, which are microscopic, difficult to manage, and can cause significant productivity losses. According to Basf, the new NRS trait was developed by the company over seven years of research and tested in more than 160 experimental fields, achieving over 90% control of root lesion nematodes. The results indicate potential to reduce losses and increase production stability in infested areas. The technology will ...