Cyst resistance in Soybeans: Peking vs PI 88788

Soybean growers have been facing an extremely tough battle over the years verse the Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). The SCN reduces yields in every field that it infests. Yield losses can exceed 50% when nematode counts are high and the weather during the growing season is hot and dry (2021, for example).  

SCN resistant varieties are the primary way to manage this pest, currently, there are two SCN resistance genetic sources. PI 88788 resistant genes have been used in the majority of varieties for the past 30+ years; then Peking resistance is the other option available to control SCN. Continuous use of soybean varieties with this single source of SCN resistance has led to populations developing increased reproduction on varieties with the PI 88788 resistance throughout Iowa and the Midwest.

Soybean Cyst Nematodes have 16 races (or different subspecies) that have been identified. PI 88788 is resistant to eight races of SCN (Races 1,2,4,5,7,11,15,16). Peking is resistant to eight races of SCN as well (2,4,9,11,12,13,14,16). The Peking is resistant to 4 different races compared to the PI 88788. Peking resistance is much newer than PI 88788 and has been shown in yield trials to have a yield advantage in SCN fields.

Iowa State University completed a study in 2019 comparing varieties with PI 88788 resistance and Peking resistance. Here are the results:

Not only did the Peking varieties have higher yield, they also reduced the SCN eggs in the soil by 10 times compared to the PI 88788. Iowa State University states “It is critical that farmers begin growing varieties with SCN resistance different from PI 88788 in SCN-infested fields.”  

Corteva has one of the largest and most diverse soybean breeding lines in the world! We offer Peking resistant varieties in three different soybean trait offerings: 1-Glyphosate tolerant soybeans 2-Liberty Link™ tolerant soybeans and 3-Enlist E3™ tolerant varieties.

Hoegemeyer just launched our brand new Enlist E3™ varieties for spring 2022 planting. Five of these new varieties carry the Peking SCN resistance: 1903E, 2123E, 2421E, 2763E, and 3413E.

When you purchase your soybeans for 2022, take the time to research the varieties you are planting. With more and more varieties available with Peking resistance, they should earn a place on your fields for next year.

Sources:

• HG types and SCN races explained; www.coolbean.info
• ISU Extension outreach; Soybean varieties with SCN resistance other than PI 88788
• Peking resistance pays in yield trials; farmprogess.com/soybeans/peking-resistance-pays-yield-trials

Agronomist Contact Info:

• Eric Solberg
• Eastern Product Agronomist
• e.solberg@hoegemeyer.com