2Blades and Corteva Agriscience announced they have reached a milestone in their collaboration to develop a transgene for Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) resistance with successful field trials of Latin American soybean varieties containing the new ASR transgene. This achievement marks an important point in the research collaboration between the two organizations, which seeks to develop durable resistance and minimize grower losses due to the plant pathogen.
Endemic to most soybean-producing regions of the globe, ASR can cause yield loss ranging from 10-80% in countries where it is established, carrying significant risk for farmers and agricultural systems. Soybeans in Latin America are particularly vulnerable to this fungal disease due to mild winter conditions, which allow the fungus to survive year-round. The transgenic trait in development by 2Blades and Corteva will provide an additional disease management tool for farmers in the region, increasing disease resistance durability and options for integrated disease management strategies.
“Results from the trial showed strong disease resistance in the transgenic soybean varieties tested,” said Dr. Tom Greene, Biotechnology Leader at Corteva Agriscience. “Our partnership with 2Blades combines the strengths of our organizations in pursuit of our common goal: enhancing the productivity of soybeans for farmers across Latin America via stronger plant genetics.”
