2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To intrgress novel SCN-restantance genes into high-yielding soybean germplasm of early maturity groups (I, II and III) possessing resistance to other economically important disease with adequate agronimic performance. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Populations and lines will be developed using different sources of SCN resistance identified by ARS. The cross will be made between new sources or lines of SCN resistance and experimental elite ISU lines developed by Cooperator. Selections include greenhouses bioassays and marker assited breeding for SCN resistance and field evaluations for superior performance. 3.Progress Report Introgression of novel genes conferring resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean germplasm is a collaborative research project funded by the Iowa Soybean Association and North Central Soybean Research Project. For broadening resistance in soybean of early maturity groups (II and III) using unique genes from PI line 438489B crosses were previously made with high yielding elite lines which are susceptible to SCN. Over 120 families of these crosses were screened in the greenhouse and resistant families were identified. Resistance was also confirmed using known DNA markers tagged to nematode resistance. Selected progenies are being advanced for yield evaluations and releasing of improved germplasm. In general breeding projects are long-term in nature and especially, breeding for nematode resistance is much longer in duration. The new Soybean PI438489B is an introduction from China which is highly resistant to multiple nematode populations and resistance genes are different form most commonly used sources such as cultivars Forrest, Fayette and Hartwig. ADODR used meetings and conference calls to monitor activities of the project.