Farms.com Home   News

New Soybean Varieties Promise ASR Resistance in South America

For decades, Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) has plagued South American soybean fields, posing significant threats to their yields. 

This deadly disease, primarily caused by the aggressive pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi, thrives in the hot and tropical conditions of South America, leading to yield losses ranging from 10 to 80%.

Diana Horvath, 2Blades' president, highlights the grave concern as she states that without a growing break, this pathogen finds an optimal environment for proliferation. 

Consequently, in places like Brazil, where double cropping of soybeans was popular, the risk of ASR outbreaks increased manifold.

Farmers have tried various methods to combat this menace, including fungicide application and adjusting crop rotations.

Sergio Brommonschenkel, from the Universidade Federal de Viçosa, sheds light on the two primary fungicides used against ASR: single-site and multi-site.

However, resistance has emerged, making these once potent solutions less effective.

But not all hope is lost. With the recent complete sequencing of the ASR pathogen genome, doors have opened for creating transgenic ASR-resistant soybean varieties. 2Blades took the lead, finding ASR resistance in soybean relatives. 

Partnering with industry giants like Corteva, they're on a mission to introduce these ASR-resistant soybeans to the market, offering a potential game-changer for South American farmers.
 


Trending Video

Better Farming Ontario - Proudly Serving the World's Best Farmers for Over 25 Years

Video: Better Farming Ontario - Proudly Serving the World's Best Farmers for Over 25 Years


For over 25 years, Ontario Federation of Agriculture members have trusted Better Farming as a source for information to help them farm profitably, with insights and best practices for cash cropping, soil health, pest and weed control, livestock, and farm business management.

Watch this video to learn more about Better Farming and its relationship with producers across Ontario.

Message from Better Farming:

To our OFA farming readers, thank you for your time and your trust, for 25 years now. We look forward to continuing the journey with you.