BASF Agricultural Solutions today has announced the release of Nemasphere, an innovative nematode resistance trait for soybean cyst nematode (SCN) management. Using a novel mode of action, BASF is stacking Nemasphere with the Enlist E3 technology to provide farmers SCN resistance without compromising yield potential.
Nematodes are the leading cause of soybean yield loss in the United States, costing growers an estimated $1.5 billion in yield annually. Compounding the problem, the effectiveness of native SCN traits is declining significantly.
Nemasphere, however, produces a novel Cry14 protein that is ingested by nematodes, interfering with nutrient uptake in their intestines and leading to the nematodes’ death. BASF is the first company to develop a transgenic (genetically modified) trait to control SCN.
To ensure the long-term durability of the Nemasphere trait and nematode control in general, BASF has been working closely with researchers and regulatory authorities to develop a multi-faceted stewardship plan.
“Nemasphere offers a completely different level of protection and yield potential to soybean farmers, providing them with the solution they have been waiting for from SCN yield loss in an effective, reliable and easy to use trait,” said BASF is committed to helping farmers doing the Biggest Job on Earth through innovation and bringing impactful solutions to market,” said Scott Kay, vice president of U.S. Agricultural Solutions at BASF.
BASF is in its eighth year of advanced field testing of Nemasphere in North America, including more than 200 field trials in the United States. On average, Nemasphere boosts yield potential by 8 percent. As the yield gap widens each year due to increasing SCN resistance to native traits, the boost Nemasphere delivers in bushels will be critical to help growers hit their full harvest potential and make it possible to achieve full genetic yield potential.
In addition to offering SCN resistance, Nemasphere is a single-locus trait which enables breeders to incorporate into a full range of high-yielding seed varieties with no compromises to overall agronomic performance and access to use the Enlist weed control system.
Nemasphere is anticipated to be available in 2028, pending regulatory approval.