Key Takeaways:
- Successful identification of resistance genes against Asian Soybean Rust (ASR) through a collaboration between 2Blades and Bayer Crop Science.
- The project, which began in 2018 and extended in 2023, also involved The Sainsbury Laboratory and Universidade Federal de Viçosa.
- This discovery enables Bayer to develop targeted and effective strategies to control ASR, a major threat to global soybean production.
- Advances in understanding the molecular complexity of the ASR pathogen, including its genome sequencing, aim to ensure durable resistance and support sustainable agriculture.
Collaborative Effort Yields Significant Progress Against ASR
A collaborative project launched in 2018 and extended in 2023 between 2Blades, Bayer Crop Science, The Sainsbury Laboratory (Norwich, UK), and the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Minas Gerais, Brazil) has culminated in a significant advancement in the battle against Asian Soybean Rust (ASR). This partnership has successfully identified resistance genes for developing new strategies to combat ASR, one of the most severe threats to soybean production worldwide.
Ty Vaughn, Head of Plant Biotechnology for Bayer Crop Science, highlighted the impact of this collaboration: “Asian soybean rust is one of the most significant threats to soybean production globally. The successful work that we’ve accomplished with 2Blades will allow us to bring the solutions that growers need to farms more quickly.”
ASR, caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a fast-moving disease that can devastate crops within weeks of infection, particularly in tropical regions like Brazil, where it has caused billions in losses. The pathogen’s increasing resistance to traditional fungicides has made genetic resistance a priority for sustainable crop protection.
Breakthroughs in Resistance and Pathogen Understanding
The project’s achievements extend beyond identifying resistance genes; significant progress was made in understanding the molecular biology of P. pachyrhizi, including assembling its complete genome sequence. This comprehensive understanding is pivotal for ensuring the durability of resistance methods and complements Bayer’s efforts to provide diverse and sustainable solutions to combat ASR.
Kamil Witek, Group Leader for 2Blades at The Sainsbury Laboratory, commented on the collaboration’s success: “This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing new, innovative approaches against major crop diseases like ASR.”
The partnership leveraged the unique strengths of its members, including insights from Professor Sergio Brommenschenkel’s team at Universidade Federal de Viçosa, known for its expertise in tropical legume genetics and firsthand experience with soybean cultivation in Brazil.
Impact and Future Directions
Nick Talbot, Executive Director of The Sainsbury Laboratory, emphasized the broader implications of the project’s success: “We’re thrilled to contribute to this important milestone, connecting laboratory breakthroughs to practical solutions that protect global soybean yields.” This achievement marks a step forward in protecting soybean crops from ASR and exemplifies the power of collaborative research in addressing significant agricultural challenges.
