Study finds region of soybean genome that increases resistance to nematode Heterodera glycines Ichinohe

The Brazilian company TMG (Tropical Improvement and Genetics) recently presented a study pointing to the region of the genome that increases soybean resistance to the nematode Heterodera glycines Ichinohe.

The research presented the results during the PAG 30 Plant & Animal Genome Conference in San Diego, California (United States).

The annual event features forums and lectures on plant and animal genetics, including exhibitions, workshops, and research poster sessions.

João Vitor Maldonado, the molecular genetics breeder at TMG, presented the results of a survey based on the compilation of genetic sequencing data with the help of a platform provided by Gencove, a North American genome analysis company.

João Vitor Maldonado, the molecular genetics breeder at TMG

According to him, Gencove provides a data imputation system used to increase the amount of genomic information generated by sequencing.

″Using this platform, we carried out more in-depth genetic studies and identified a region of the soybean genome that is related to the genetic resistance of plants to one of the most aggressive versions of the soybean cyst nematode,″ he said.

According to Maldonado, these molecular markers will ″contribute to TMG's Genetic Improvement Program, to develop cultivars with greater resistance to this pathogen, benefiting agriculture.″

The soybean cyst nematode, NCS (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is already present in about two million hectares of soybean plantations in ten Brazilian states.

It is a pathogen that penetrates the plant's roots and hinders the absorption of water and nutrients, reducing the number of pods, which causes chlorosis and reduces productivity.

According to the molecular genetics breeder at TMG, ″the PAG 30 was also important for us to strengthen further our collaboration with Gencove, which will continue as partners in new projects to identify important genes in soy, corn, and cotton.″

″In addition, it was very relevant for us to follow lectures and recent studies carried out in the main research centers in the world on plant genetics. Finally, we were able to prospect technology supply companies with the potential to contribute to TMG's activities in Brazil,″ Maldonado said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)