RESEARCH FUNDS

WASHINGTON -- Congress has increased its financial support toward soybean cyst nematode (SCN) research at the University of Missouri Delta Center at Portageville.

"Missouri has been known for its leadership in the research of this yield-robbing pest," said Missouri Soybean Association president David Madison. "The House Committee on Appropriation has increased our SCN research fund to $385,000."

Madison credits Eighth District Congressman Bill Emerson for the funding increase.

"Emerson is dedicated to Missouri soybean producers," said Madison. "He has led the fight for addition federal funds to combat SCN."

During a discussion of the bill, Emerson said the delta Center facility was ideally suited to conducting this type of research.

"I believe that we will be saving a number of farmers ;from financial ruin in the long run," said Emerson.

Dr. Sam Anand heads the Delta Center research program, and has recently released a variety of soybean resistant to all know races of SCN.

Since its discovery in Missouri in 1956, the soybean cyst nematode has spread to more than 70 counties in the state, and in numerous other states.

According to Anand, the best method to control disease losses due to SCN is the use of genetic resistance. The delta Center has released a total of 10 genetically developed varieties to control SCN losses.