BASF Launches Its First Soybean Cyst Nematode-Resistant Biotech Trait Nemasphere™ In The Us, Set For Commercial Release In 2028

On June 17, 2024, according to a report from the World Agrochemicals Network Chinese website, the globally renowned agrochemical company BASF has recently announced the successful development of a revolutionary technology - the NemasphereTM trait for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN).

This technology is considered the most breakthrough innovation in SCN management in over 60 years. SCN has been a major threat to soybean yields in the United States, causing an estimated $1.5 billion in losses per year. To address this challenge, BASF's NemasphereTM technology produces a new Cry14 protein that effectively disrupts the nematode's nutrient absorption in the gut, thereby achieving control of SCN.

Currently, NemasphereTM technology is the only biotech trait targeting SCN. Combining with the Enlist E3® technology, it is widely applied across BASF's portfolio of high-yielding soybean varieties, providing farmers with unprecedented SCN resistance while ensuring stable yield potential.

In the process of developing NemasphereTM technology, BASF has closely collaborated with researchers and regulatory authorities to establish a comprehensive management plan to ensure the long-term efficacy and sustainability of this trait in nematode control. After multiple field trials, the NemasphereTM technology has been verified to improve soybean yield potential by an average of 8%.

Furthermore, as a single trait, NemasphereTM can be easily integrated into various high-yielding soybean varieties without any adverse effects on overall agronomic performance, and it is also compatible with the Enlist weed control system. BASF has stated that this technology is expected to be launched in the market by 2028, subject to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

The introduction of this innovative technology provides soybean growers with a powerful tool to address the SCN threat. It is believed that in the future, the NemasphereTM technology will play a crucial role in soybean production, helping growers achieve higher yields and economic benefits.