Missouri partners on the pest project which is focused on varietal tolerance for cercospora leaf blight, frogeye leaf spot and stinkbug. All of these diseases/insects are important pests in the mid-south and in the delta region of Missouri.

Develop disease and stinkbug resistant soybean cultivars adapted to the southern United States, and identify resistant germplasm applicable to all regions. The ultimate goal is to incorporate resistance into industry acceptable varieties.

• The key outcome will be high yielding, locally adapted soybean cultivars that are resistant to both stink bugs and diseases.
• A germplasm set and genetic markers will be created to easily incorporate resistance into new cultivars.

Updated April 27, 2021:
The Mid-South Soybean Board was organized to promote soybeans, soybean products, soybean research and development. Originally formed in 2009, other members include the soybean checkoff organizations of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council joined the MSSB in 2012. The goals are to eliminate duplicate research spending and to develop and fund research of importance to our producers. District 7 MSMC Director Baughn Merideth serves as the MSSB Director for Missouri.

MSMC has partnered on the pest project which is focused on varietal tolerance for cercospora leaf blight, frogeye leaf spot and stinkbug. All of these diseases/insects are important pests in the mid-south and in the Delta region of Missouri.

Insect resistance found in cultivars, in combination with biological control or reduced insecticide use, should provide substantial control, reducing reliance on pesticides and saving money for growers.