KSU Research Team Get Patent for GE Method to Control Nematodes

Researchers at Kansas State University were awarded a patent for their invention entitled Compositions and Methods for Controlling Plant Parasitic Nematodes. The team developed a transgenic strategy to fight off the destructive soybean cyst nematode which can cause up to US$860 million losses annually.

By targeting three genes, namely MSP, or Major Sperm Protein, which causes nematode sperm to move; Chitin synthase, the gene that helps form the eggshell on nematode offspring; and RNA Polymerase II, which is vital for RNA production, the researchers were able to reduce nematode reproduction by 68 to 70 percent. The team also made sure that the altered genes could not affect the soybeans and non target organisms such as animals and humans.

Details of the Report can be seen at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/nov10/patent110810.html