INTRODUCED SOYBEAN LINES FROM CHINA - SCREENING FOR INSECT RESISTANCE

Breeders and entomologists have continued to search for new sources of insect resistance in soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, because of t he narrow genetic base currently in use in the development of insect-r esistant soybeans. Recently, many new soybean accessions from China ha ve been obtained. We examined lines belonging to maturity groups I thr ough IV in Ohio and Illinois for insect resistance using the Mexican b ean beetle, Epilachna varivestis Mulsant tin both states), and the pot ato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae Harris (in Illinois alone). Although a few lines-PI 567.751C, PI 567.765D, PI 567.770C, PI 567.452, and PI 56 7.685-had potentially useable levels of resistance, none had resistanc e levels similar to the earlier described lines PI 171.451, PI 229.358 , and PI 227.687.