Project Number: 3611-22000-019-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jun 01, 2006
End Date: Apr 20, 2009

Objective:
Soybean yields are reduced by soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in all soybean producing areas in the U.S. Genetic resistance is widely used to control the nematode, but is not always efficacious and is not durable. Biological control of soybean cyst nematode with obligately parasitic bacteria holds much promise as part of an integrated approach to control SCN. Population dynamics of two bacateria, Pasteruia nishizawae and 'Candidatus Paenicardinum endonii' are being investigated at present, but current technology is inadequate. The objective of this cooperative research is to develop molecular techniques to monitor the bacteria in soil and in nematodes.

Approach:
A real-time PCR (RT PCR) analysis specific for P. nishizawae will be developed to quantify the bacterium and to determine it's distribution in ongoing field trials. A DAPI (4', 6-diamino-2-phenylindole) epifluorescence microscopic analysis will be developed for 'Candidatus Paenicardinium endonii' in order to monitor infection in individual nematodes and to determine effects on reproduction and population dynamics of SCN.