Photo provided by Illinois Soybean Association

Farmers will soon have access to new, high-yielding soybean lines with enhanced resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Two promising SCN-resistant varieties from ongoing research are set to move into commercial seed increases for 2025. One variety features Peking-type resistance, while the other includes enhanced PI88788 resistance. These new lines have potential for both strong SCN protection and higher yields. 

Dr. Eliana Monteverde and her team are focused on developing soybean lines with multiple resistance genes, known as stacked resistance, to offer more durable and long-term protection against SCN. By combining three- and four-gene resistance stacks, the project aims to provide farmers with options to rotate different genetic modes of resistance, reducing the risk of SCN adaptation and ensuring effective control over time. 

In addition to these new commercial varieties, researchers are making significant strides in stacking even more resistance genes into both Peking- and enhanced PI88788-based soybeans. By 2025, 24 advanced soybean lines will undergo multi-location trials, providing valuable data on their performance across different environments. These trials are part of an ongoing effort to breed stronger, more resilient varieties with even better SCN resistance. 

For more updates on this Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded research and other developments, visit the Field Advisor Research Hub.