Nigerian scientist targets global food security with pest-resistant soybeans

Nigerian scientist, Mekidani Salu, has identified microscopic pests as one of the challenges to soybean production, lamenting that the pest is a threat to global food security.

Salu said the need to find a solution has inspired him to commence a research on developing soybean varieties resistant to the pest.

The expert insisted on equipping farmers with tools to achieve better yields and contribute to a more food-secure world.

He said: “The battle within the soil may be hidden from our eyes, but its impact on our lives—and our future—is unmistakable. My goal is to equip farmers with tools to achieve better yields and contribute to a more food-secure world.”

Meanwhile, Salu’s approach focused on analysing the genetic factors that enable certain soybean plants to resist SCN attacks, providing a sustainable solution to a problem that has long challenged farmers worldwide.

Soybeans, often referred to as the “miracle crop,” play a vital role in the global food chain, serving as a key source of protein and oil.

They are also an essential component in livestock feed and a critical raw material for industries like biodiesel and cosmetics.

Salu said: “In Nigeria, soybeans are not just a crop—they’re an economic lifeline. They provide food, employment, and income for millions, while also supporting sustainable farming practices through soil fertility enhancement.”

On soybean cyst nematodes, he said: “This pest is responsible for over $1.5 billion in annual crop losses in the U.S. alone, and its impact is growing globally. Once a field is infested, the nematode population can remain in the soil for years, making traditional control measures like crop rotation ineffective.

“By understanding how SCN operates and how soybean plants respond, we can breed resilient varieties capable of thriving in even the most challenging conditions. These resilient soybeans could stabilise yields, reduce economic losses, and provide an affordable alternative to chemical treatments, which often come with high costs and environmental concerns.”

On developing climate-smart agriculture, Salu said: “As we face the dual pressures of population growth and climate change, it’s crucial to protect staple crops like soybeans,” he said. “Our research contributes to this effort by providing solutions that help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining productivity.”

He also noted that once fully developed, the resistant soybean varieties could be deployed in regions across the globe, from the American Midwest to Africa’s soybean fields.

He said: “This is not just a Nigerian problem; it’s a global issue. Our research has the potential to transform farming practices, improve yields, and reduce the reliance on chemical treatments worldwide.”

In a similar development, Agricultural experts have hailed Salu’s work, describing it as a significant step toward addressing global food security.

An agronomist at the Nigerian Institute for Agricultural Research, Dr Ifeoma Adeyemi, said: “The implications of this research are enormous. Soybeans are a cornerstone of modern agriculture, and protecting them from pests like SCN is critical for ensuring sustainable food production.”

Tags: Nigeria, food security, pests, soybeans, Production, yields