WATCH: Asia Kud – Uncovering Nematode Resistance | Behind the Discovery
By Paden Johnson – Jan. 23, 2026
Tiny nematodes are causing big problems for soybean growers in Arkansas. Asia Kud, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology, studies plant-nematode interactions with a current focus on southern root-knot nematode, which is estimated to cause $100 million in soybean losses each year in Arkansas alone.
But it’s not just about plants—training the next generation of scientists is at the heart of Asia’s lab. “Coming here every day and seeing my team being as excited about science as I am, that’s really rewarding,” she said.
Meet the Researcher
Asia Kud
Assistant Professor
Entomology & Plant Pathology
jkud@uark.edu
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on 𝕏 at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on 𝕏 at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.





