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Alyssa Butler – Soybean Science Challenge Winner Virtual FFA Arkansas State Agriscience Fair

Alyssa Butler, Carlisle High School, Carlisle, AR

Mentor: Carly Bokker

Category: Plant Sciences

Project Title: Greenhouse Comparison of Genetically Similar Soybean Varieties and Resistance to the Southern Root-Knot Nematode

 

Alyssa Butler

Abstract:

The southern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of the most important yield-limiting plant-parasitic nematodes that affect soybeans (Glycine max) in Arkansas. One of the best management tools that farmers have is host resistance; however, limited information about the host is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate a greenhouse comparison of genetically similar soybean seed varieties. Soybean seed varieties with similar genetic backgrounds that all manufacturers claimed to be moderately resistant to root-knot nematodes, along with one susceptible check (Delta Grow 4880) and one resistant check (Forrest) were used to test nematode resistance and egg reproduction.

 

Plants were planted in a randomized complete block design with five reps and artificially inoculated with 5,000 eggs per plant. Soybeans were rated at 48 days after inoculation, roots were processed to determine eggs per gram. Pioneer P45A45L, Pioneer P43A42X, Pioneer P46T59R and Forrest all were statistically different when compared to the susceptible check (Delta Grow 4880) for root gall ratings; P45A29L and Pioneer P43A42Z were the only two with significant differences in egg/gram root and egg reproduction factor. These varieties were confirmed to be moderately resistant when compared to the resistant check and would be good options for farmers’ fields with damaging populations of root-knot nematodes.

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