Location: Soybean/maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Research
Project Number: 5012-21000-033-008-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 31, 2028
Objective:
The purpose of the agreement will be to collaborate on pest resistance research in Soybeans:
Development of screening protocols, screening of plant introductions from the collection, genetic mapping of pest resistant loci, and germplasm development.
Approach:
The cooperator will collaborate with ARS scientists to refine insect feeding bioassay protocols targeting thrips, Japanese beetle, and soybean aphid, using both controlled conditions and field derived populations to capture realistic pest pressure. Standardized no choice and choice assays, calibrated infestation levels, and quantitative phenotyping metrics (defoliation rate, feeding intensity, stress indicators) will be implemented to reliably compare resistance across USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection accessions. Protocol optimization will emphasize consistent insect rearing, damage scoring criteria, and replication strategies needed for high quality genetic analysis. The resulting resistance datasets will enable mapping of key loci underlying insect resistance and support development of improved germplasm.