Soybean aphid (SBA; Aphis glycines Matsumura) and soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichninohe) are major pests of the soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). Substantial progress has been made in identifying the genetic basis of limiting these pests in both model and non-model plant systems. Classical linkage mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified major and minor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in soybean. Studies on interactions of SBA and SCN effectors with host proteins have identified molecular cues in various signaling pathways, including those involved in plant disease resistance and phytohormone regulations. In this paper, we review the molecular basis of soybean resistance to SBA and SCN, and we provide a synthesis of recent studies of soybean QTLs/genes that could mitigate the effects of virulent SBA and SCN populations. We also review relevant studies of aphid–nematode interactions, particularly in the soybean–SBA–SCN system.

Since the discovery of Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the United States, the primary management tactic has been foliar insecticides. Alternative management options such as host plant resistance to A. glycines have been developed and their effectiveness proved. However, the use of host plant resistance was complicated by the discovery of multiple, virulent biotypes of A. glycines in the United States that are capable of overcoming single Rag genes, Rag1 and Rag2, as well as a two-gene pyramid of Rag1+Rag2. However, current models predict that the virulent allele frequency of A. glycines decreases in response to the use of pyramided Rag genes, suggesting that pyramids represent a more sustainable use of these traits. Previous research has demonstrated that virulent biotypes can be effectively managed using a three-gene pyramid of Rag1+Rag2+Rag3. Additional Rag-genes have been discovered (Rag4 and Rag5), but whether the incorporation of these genes into novel three-gene pyramids will improve efficacy is not known. We tested single-gene (Rag1 and Rag2) and pyramid cultivars (Rag1+Rag2, Rag1+Rag2+Rag3, Rag1+Rag2+Rag4) to multiple biotypes in laboratory assays. Our results confirm that the Rag1+Rag2+Rag3 pyramid effectively manages all known A. glycines biotypes when compared with cultivars that are overcome by the associated biotype. Our results indicate that Rag1+Rag2+Rag4 would be an effective management option for biotype-1, biotype-2, and biotype-3 A. glycines, but had a negligible impact on biotype-4.

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura; SBA) is the most economically damaging insect of soybean (Glycine max) in the United States. One previous study demonstrated that avirulent (biotype 1) and virulent (biotype 2) biotypes could co-occur and interact on resistant (i.e., Rag1) and susceptible soybean resulting in induced susceptibility after 11 days of feeding. The main objective of this research was to employ RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technique to compare the induced susceptibility effect of biotype 2 on susceptible and resistant soybean at day 1 and day 11 (i.e., both susceptible and resistant soybean were initially challenged by biotype 2 and the effect was monitored through biotype 1 populations). We investigated susceptible and Rag1 transcriptome response to SBA feeding in soybean plants colonized by biotype 1 in the presence or absence of an inducer population (i.e., biotype 2). Ten RNA datasets are reported with 266,535,654 sequence reads (55.2 GB) obtained from pooled samples derived from the leaves collected at day 1 and day 11 post SBA infestation. A comprehensive understanding of these transcriptome data will enhance our understanding of interactions among soybean and two different biotypes of soybean aphids at the molecular level.

Mosquito abatement programs in Midwestern communities frequently exist within landscapes dominated by agriculture. Although separately managed, both agricultural pests and mosquitoes are targeted by similar classes of insecticides. As a result, there is the potential for unintended insecticide exposure to mosquito populations from agricultural pest management. To determine the impact that agricultural management practices have on mosquito insecticide susceptibility we compared the mortality of Aedes vexans (Meigen; Diptera: Culicidae) between populations sampled from locations with and without mosquito abatement in South Dakota, a region dominated by agricultural production. Collection locations were either within towns with mosquito abatement programs (n = 2; Brookings and Sioux Falls, SD) or located > 16 km from towns with mosquito abatement programs (n = 2; areas near Harrold and Willow Lake, SD). WHO bioassays were used to test susceptibly of adults to differing insecticide classes relative to their respective controls; 1) an organochlorine (dieldrin 4%), 2) an organophosphate (malathion 5%), and 3) a pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin 0.05%). Corrected mortality did not significantly differ between locations with or without abatement; however, when locations were analized by proportion of developed land within the surrounding landscape pyrethroid mortality was significantly lower where crop production dominated the surrounding landscape and mosquito abatement was present. These data suggest that agricultural pest management may incidentally contribute to reduced mosquito susceptibility where overlap between agricultural pest management and mosquito abatement exists. Decoupling insecticide classes used by both agricultural and public health pest management programs may be necessary to ensure continued efficacy of pest management tools.

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), infestations of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabales: Fabaceae), and the associated yield loss have led to a large dependence on insecticidal management in soybean throughout the Midwestern United States. However, several populations of pyrethroid-resistant soybean aphids have recently been found in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, which highlights the importance of alternative management approaches. One such alternative method is host-plant resistance, which uses naturally occurring plant defenses in crop cultivars to reduce the potential for yield loss from a pest population. Current soybean aphid-resistant cultivars do not protect against all soybean aphids due to the presence of virulent biotypes. In particular, soybean aphid biotype 4 is virulent to Rag1 and Rag2 resistance genes both individually and in combination. However, we hypothesized that resistance to biotype 4 may exist in previously identified, but uncharacterized resistant soybean plant introductions (PIs). To test this, we evaluated 51 previously identified but uncharacterized soybean aphid-resistant PIs for their resistance to colonies of soybean aphid biotype 4 collected in separate site-years (Lomira, WI 2013; Volga, SD 2015, 2016). Free-choice tests identified 14 PIs with putative resistance to ‘Lomira13’, two to ‘Volga15’, and eight to ‘Volga16’ soybean aphid colonies. Follow-up, no-choice tests corroborated two to three resistant PIs per colony, and PI 437696, which was resistant to each of the three colonies and could aid in breeding efforts and an integrated approach to soybean aphid management.

The soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) and soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) are major aboveground and belowground pests of soybean (Glycine max) in the U.S. Midwest, but the molecular basis of their combined effects on soybean defense remains poorly understood. This study examines how soybean genotypes influence demographic and root-transcriptomic responses to single and combined pest infestation. Soybean cyst nematode reproduction increased under combined infestation in the susceptible cultivar but remained unchanged in the resistant cultivar, whereas soybean aphid populations declined when plants were also infested with nematodes. Root RNA-seq revealed strong time-dependent transcriptional responses, with substantially more differentially expressed genes at 30 days post-infestation than at 5 days post-infestation. Co-expression and enrichment analyses showed that early responses were associated with defense signaling, plant–pathogen interaction, and cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis, whereas later responses involved redox processes, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid metabolism, and one-carbon metabolism. Several differentially expressed soybean genes co-localized with known soybean cyst nematode resistance quantitative trait loci, including genes near the rhg1 region. Together, these results suggest that soybean genotypes strongly influence soybean aphid–soybean cyst nematode interactions and identify candidate genes and pathways that may contribute to durable resistance against interacting aboveground and belowground pests.