Biology

Utilizing nature to protect soybean roots

Comparison of anterior midgut ultrastructure of soybean cyst nematode (SCN) fed A (wild type) or B (GMB151 (Cry14Ab expressing) plants). In C. elegans fed GMB151, the intestinal lumen is enlarged in size and filled with fibrous material, a lysate from microvilli-like structures (MvLs) (Figures 5, 6, and 7). In GMB151 plant-feeding nematodes, loss of MvL cytoplasm due to rupture of MvL membranes results in lower cytoplasmic density compared to cytoplasmic density in the basal cytoplasm of MvLs lacking ruptured membranes and the epithelial cells to which they are attached. (quantified in Figure 2). 5B). Scale bar is 0.5 μm. Credit: R. Howard Berg, Theodore W. Kahn, Michael T. McCarville, Jayme Williams, Kirk J. Czymmek, Julia Daum

The microscopic soybean cyst nematode (SCN) may be small, but it has a big impact. This pest attaches to soybean roots, devouring their nutrients and leaving a trail of destruction that costs farmers billions of dollars in yield loss each year. Unfortunately, current methods of combating SCN have stalled as the pests have become resistant to traditional control. However, new research offers a glimmer of hope.

A joint team of scientists from BASF Agricultural Solutions and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center’s Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory is working on a potential solution: a special protein known as Cry14. Their study, published in the journal Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, details how Cry14 could revolutionize the fight against SCN.

Lead author R. Howard Berg and his team developed a way to genetically integrate this special protein into soybean plants. This approach has long been used on other crops such as corn and cotton to combat pests, and is now being successfully implemented to prevent SCN from feeding on soybean roots.

This study addresses important scientific questions about Cry14 proteins, including their function and potential for enhancing existing agricultural products for farmers. This study shows that the combination of Cry14 and current treatment options reduces SCN numbers in soybean roots and ultimately increases soybean yield.

The research team also investigated how Cry14 provides this protection. Conflicting data in the scientific literature have raised questions about what size is “too large” for SCN to ingest. The Cry14 protein exceeds the previously postulated size limit. However, using state-of-the-art electron microscopy and imaging equipment, the research team captured images of the Cry14 protein in the guts of SCN feeding on soybean plants that express the protein. These images provide direct evidence that Cry14 can be ingested by C. elegans.

For the first time, we used high-resolution electron microscopy to document Cry-induced damage and reveal membrane lysis in enterocytes that leads to cell death. This finding supports the predicted mode of action of Cry proteins.

This study paves the way for the use of other Cry proteins to control the SCN and other nematodes. Until now, contradictory literature and challenges regarding Cry proteins have largely closed the door as a viable approach for nematode control in plants.

This technology comes at a critical time when SCN is becoming resistant to control by soybean native traits. New cell biological information about how Cry14 affects the gut may inspire other researchers to apply this technology in new ways.

Further information: R. Howard Berg et al, Immunolocalization and ultrastructure, Uptake of Cry protein expressed in Glycine max by Heterodera glycine and its mechanism of action, Molecular plant-microbe interactions (2024). DOI: 10.1094/MPMI-02-24-0021-R

Provided by the American Society of Plant Pathologists

Citation: Harnessing Nature to Defend Soybean Roots (January 14, 2025) https://phys.org/news/2025-01-harnessing-nature-defend-soybean-roots.html 2025 1 Retrieved on March 14th

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