New soybean technologies under development are targeting two of the biggest threats to U.S. soybean yields-soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and herbicide-resistant weeds-with several new trait platforms expected to reach farmers later this decade.

Researchers and seed companies say the innovations could help protect yield potential and improve weed management flexibility as pest pressure and resistance challenges continue to increase across major soybean-producing regions.

For more than two decades, soybean biotechnology has focused largely on herbicide tolerance. Trait platforms such as Roundup Ready, Enlist and Xtend systems simplified weed management and now account for more than 90% of U.S. soybean acres, according to adoption data from the USDA Economic Research Service.

However, the next generation of soybean technologies is expanding beyond weed control to address yield losses caused by pests-especially soybean cyst nematode, the most damaging pest affecting soybeans in North America. Several new systems currently under development, including Nemasphere, Vyconic and Enlist E3 Expance, are expected to reach the market between 2027 and 2029, pending regulatory approvals.

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Soybean cyst nematode is present in most soybean fields across the Midwest and often causes yield losses without obvious visual symptoms. Researchers estimate SCN is responsible for roughly $1.5 billion in annual yield losses in the United States, making it the most economically damaging soybean pest.

For decades, SCN management has relied heavily on resistant soybean varieties derived from genetic sources such as PI 88788 and Peking. However, repeated use of the same resistance sources has allowed nematode populations to adapt. Long-term trials from Iowa State University show that varieties using PI 88788 once provided about 95% control, but today average closer to 40% effectiveness.

To address this challenge, BASF is developing a new soybean trait called Nemasphere, which introduces a different mode of action for controlling SCN. The technology expresses a Cry14 protein in soybean roots. When nematodes feed on the roots, they ingest the protein, which disrupts their digestive system and prevents them from continuing to feed.

Because the protein is expressed in the plant's roots throughout the growing season, the protection extends as the root system develops, offering broader coverage than seed treatments that provide only early-season protection. Researchers say the trait could also be stacked with traditional resistance sources, improving long-term durability in SCN management programs.

BASF expects farmer trials to begin in 2027, with potential commercial availability around 2028.

While pest protection is gaining attention, herbicide tolerance remains a cornerstone of soybean trait development. One of the next major platforms is Vyconic, being developed by Bayer Crop Science. The system combines tolerance to five herbicide modes of action, including glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba, 2,4-D and mesotrione. Mesotrione belongs to the HPPD class of herbicides, widely used in corn but historically unavailable for use in soybean trait systems.

Early company trials have shown approximately a 2.2-bushel-per-acre yield advantage compared with competing soybean lines. Limited commercial availability for Vyconic could begin around 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

Another upcoming system, Enlist E3 Expance, builds on the widely adopted Enlist E3 soybean platform. Developed by Syngenta and M.S. Technologies, the system adds tolerance to HPPD herbicides, expanding weed management options for farmers dealing with resistant weed populations. The existing Enlist E3 stack already includes tolerance to glyphosate, glufosinate and 2,4-D. Expance would add tolerance to several HPPD herbicides, including mesotrione, bicyclopyrone and isoxaflutole. Broad commercial availability for Enlist E3 Expance is expected around 2029, pending regulatory approvals.

Agronomists stress that while these new technologies could provide valuable tools for soybean growers, long-term success will depend on responsible management practices. Even with new traits targeting SCN, integrated management strategies such as crop rotation, resistant varieties and regular monitoring of nematode populations will remain essential. Similarly, expanding herbicide tolerance systems must be combined with multiple modes of action and sound agronomic practices to prevent additional weed resistance. With few entirely new herbicide modes of action expected in the near future, industry experts say stewardship and integrated weed management will be critical to preserving the effectiveness of these next-generation soybean technologies.