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NCERA_OLD200: Management Strategies to Control Major Soybean Virus Diseases in the North Central Region

Duration:

October 01, 2001 to September 30, 2006

Administrative Advisor(s):

Steven A. Slack (OHO) - Research

NIFA Reps:

Kitty Cardwell

Statement of Issue(s) and Justification:

Soybean viruses have reached near-epidemic proportions in many North- Central soybean growing regions. This is resulting in production problems for producers that include yield reduction, green stem, and seed discoloration which can result in payment of financial penalties at local elevators. The apparent outbreak is linked to the warm winters of the past few years that allow certain insect vectors, as exemplified by the bean leaf beetle which transmits bean pod mottle virus, to overwinter in unprecedented numbers. These insects efficiently transmit the virus from one soybean plant to another. The problem is particularly vexing because the North-Central region of the United States is the principle soybean producing area of the country. A potentially complicating factor is the recent detection of the newly introduced soybean aphid. Aphis glycines, in Wisconsin with subsequent documented spread to Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, and Kentucky. The aphid can colonize soybean plants. It has recently been shown that this aphid can transmit endemic isolates of soybean mosaic and alfalfa mosaic viruses.

Several viruses are probably involved in causing the problems faced by the North-Central producers. A recent survey in Wisconsin identified tobacco ringspot, bean pod mottle, bean yellow mosaic, soybean mosaic, alfalfa mosaic, and tobacco streak viruses in soybean fields. Although incidence and virus type varied with location and soybean variety, the percentage of plants testing virus- positive ranged from 9 in the northwest to 89 in the southeast. During summer of 2000, numerous Iowa fields were observed with incidence of bean pod mottle approaching 100. Other states provided similar reports. A multi-state, multi-disciplinary effort composed of entomologists, plant pathologists, virologists, and agronomists is needed to focus on defining the problem, develop short- and long-term solutions, establish media for more effective dissemination and communication of information, and develop effective cooperation among scientists working on the problem. Focus of the Committee objectives will be on development of Integrated Pest Management tactics to minimize risk associated with this recent problem. Accordingly, the establishment of this Committee falls within the priority research area of Integrated Pest Management. An NCR committee will provide funds, and more importantly, administrative structure to bring leading researchers together to accomplish the objectives. Already, a meeting of about 40 of the region's most experienced entomologists, virologists, and plant pathologists was held at Iowa State University on July 13-14, 2000 to address this significant problem. The meeting, sponsored by the North Central Soybean Research Program, reviewed information that is known, discussed what is still not known, and developed priorities for future research. Primary emphasis was placed on bean pod mottle virus, although other potential virus problems were also addressed. The focus was to formulate both short- and long-term strategies that could be used to solve the problem.

Objectives

1. dentify and understand the virus problem in the North Central states. Studies will focus on virus/virus strain identification, development of rapid, sensitive detection and diagnostic techniques that will be shared among states, identification of principle insect vectors involved in dissemination, virus-vector ecology and vector seasonal dynamics, and vector transmission mechanisms.
2. Development and implementation of virus disease control strategies. Emphasis will be placed upon development of short- and long-term control strategies. For the short-term, these will focus on vector control, evasion strategies, and modification of cultural practices. In the longer-term, focus will be upon resistant cultivars and transgenic resistance.
3. Establish media for more effective dissemination and communication of information. This will include development of enhanced web sites on soybean virus diseases and insects as well as fact sheets for soybean growers.

Procedures and Activities

Expected Outcomes and Impacts:

• This Committee will be the coordinating vehicle for development of management tactics for remediation of the soybean virus outbreak in the North Central states. Protocols and reagents will be developed and shared for detection and identification of endemic virus disease agents. Insect vectors will be identified and appropriate studies of vector ecology and seasonal dynamics will be conducted. Science-driven management strategies that potentially include vector control, altered cutlrual practices and evasion techniques will be developed. Coordinated up-to-date information will be disseminated to producers through fact-sheets, development of websites, and other means of information transfer.

Project Participation:

Include a completed Appendix E form

Educational Plan:

see outcomes/impacts

Governance:

The recommended Standard Governance for multistate research activities include the election of a Chair, a Chair-elect, and a Secretary. All officers are to be elected for at least two-year terms to provide continuity. Administrative guidance will be provided by an assigned Administrative Advisor and a CSREES Representative.

Literature Cited:

Attachments:

none

Internal Linkages:

External Linkages:

Signatures:

s:/Steven A. Slack

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