Partnership between 2Blades and Bayer identifies Asian rust resistance genes

2Blades, in collaboration with Bayer Crop Science, announced the success of a project started in 2018 and extended in 2023 to identify resistance genes against Asian soybean rust. The project was in partnership with The Sainsbury Laboratory, in Norwich (United Kingdom), and the Federal University of Viçosa (Minas Gerais). This advance marks the conclusion of the collaboration, paving the way for Bayer to develop new strategies aimed at controlling and combating the disease.

Asian soybean rust is one of the biggest threats to soybean production in the world, as highlighted by Ty Vaughn, head of plant biotechnology at Bayer Crop Science. The disease, caused by the airborne fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, can result in rapid losses of up to 90% of the crop in just 3 weeks after initial infection. Asian rust thrives in tropical regions and is the main cause of soybean disease in Brazil's large production areas, with losses exceeding US$10 billion since 2001. Although fungicides have historically been used to combat P.pachyrhizi, the pathogen is rapidly adapting and developing tolerance to these chemical controls.

In search of more effective measures against Asian rust, 2Blades and Bayer Crop Science have strived to identify new sources of genetic resistance for sustainable and environmentally friendly protection against the pathogen. In addition to identifying resistance genes, 2Blades scientists have achieved significant advances in understanding the molecular complexity of P.pachyrhizi, including the assembly of its complete genomic sequence. This knowledge helps ensure resistance durability and complements Bayer's work to provide multiple modes of action against Asian rust.

Kamil Witek, 2Blades Group Leader at The Sainsbury Laboratory, highlighted that this milestone is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing innovative new approaches against major crop diseases like FAS. The team led by professor Sergio Brommenschenkel at the Federal University of Viçosa brought significant knowledge in tropical legume genetics and direct experience in soybean cultivation in Brazil, contributing to the success of the project.

Nick Talbot, CEO of The Sainsbury Laboratory, expressed excitement about contributing to this important milestone, connecting laboratory discoveries with practical solutions that protect global soy yields.

2Blades retains the rights to these discoveries for use in programs aimed at small farmers in low-income and food deficit countries. In 2023, 2Blades launched a program to help African farmers protect their soybean crops against Asian rust.