Soybean Research
Soybean Research
Soybean Research
Soybean Research
Soybean Research
Identify sources of resistance to the soybean aphid
Since the first identification of the soybean aphid in 2000 in the Midwest, the insect has been well established and spread to broader areas in the following years. In 2003, severe infestation of soybean aphids was found in many fields in Michigan. Soybean aphid can cause significant yield reduction and transmit several viruses, which causes seed mottling and yield reduction of 8-25%.
All available soybean varieties for Michigan are susceptible to soybean aphids. In order to develop soybean varieties with resistance to soybean aphids, we are screening soybean plant introductions (PIs) from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection for sources of resistance to the insect. With the support of Project GREEEN (Generating Research and Extension to meet Economic and Environmental Needs) and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, we tested over 2,000 PIs in 2002 and 2003 for resistance to the aphid. The tests were carried out in two 40 feet by 60 feet aphid-proof seed cages. We were able to saturate the seed cages with millions of soybean aphids and this allowed us to differentiate resistant germplasm from susceptible germplasm. Six PIs were identified as resistant to soybean aphids and two of them were confirmed resistant under "no-choice test"(feed the aphids with only one PI at a time). The resistant PIs were crossed with elite soybean germplasm for the development of aphid resistant varieties for Michigan.
Aphid resistant PI (left) versus susceptible (right)
Identify sources of resistance to soybean rust
(Supported by Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee)
Soybean rust has been reported as a major yield-reducing disease in many countries throughout the world. Recent spread of the disease to South America makes the disease an immediate threat to US soybean production. “It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when soybean rust will hit the United States,” stated by Brian Hieser, the chairman of the United Soybean Board's production committee.
In preparation to combat the disease, we are testing soybean germplasm for sources of resistance to soybean rust in China. The project is still at its early stage and there are no exciting results at this time.
Soybean leaflet showing symptom of soybean rust
Research on white mold resistance
(supported by National Sclerotinia Initiative and the North Central Soybean Research Program)
White mold, also called Sclerotinia stem rot, is an important soybean disease in the northern soybean production states in the U.S. The disease was estimated to cause a total yield loss of over 94 million bushels from 1996 to 2002. The best way to control this disease is to use soybean varieties with partial resistance to the disease. The long-term goal of this research is to develop soybean varieties or germplasm with high level of resistance to white mold. The short-term objectives of this project are: 1) develop a simple and efficient evaluation method for large-scale evaluation of breeding materials for white mold resistance; 2) evaluate breeding lines for level of resistance to white mold and agronomic performance; and 3) characterize the genes underlying partial resistance in two newly identified sources of resistance, PI 391589B and FC030233.
Soybean field infected by white mold
Soybean plants inoculated with white mold in the greenhouse
Specialty soybean breeding and germplasm improvement for Michigan
(supported by Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee)
Soybean plants are sensitive to their growing environments. Soybean varieties developed elsewhere may not perform well in Michigan. Challenges faced by Michigan farmers may not be challenges in other states. This research is focused on developing soybean varieties or germplasm that will perform the best in Michigan environments.
The long-term objectives of this research
are: 1) develop new specialty soybean varieties
with higher seed yield than Vinton 81 and/or with resistance to one of
the following diseases
or insect: white mold, soybean cyst nematode, soybean mosaic virus,
and soybean aphids;
2) develop vegetable soybean (Edamame and out-of-pod green soybean)
varieties for Michigan environments; and
3) enhance soybean germplasm by incorporating resistance to white mold,
soybean cyst nematode, soybean mosaic virus, and soybean aphids into
the germplasm adapted to Michigan environments.