Timeline and Milestones for Research:
Aims 1. FY22: Complete gene expression constructs, initiate transformation. FY23: Evaluate and advance greenhouse-grown top-performing lines. Milestone: Lines with 210% EPA and 24% DHA identified. FY24: Top lines with good agronomic performance field-tested. Aim 2. FY22: Complete gene expression constructs, initiate transformation. FY23: Evaluate and advance greenhouse-grown top-performing lines. Milestone: Lines with 210% EPA, 24% DHA with 218% oil, no protein penalty. FY24: Top lines with good agronomic performance field-tested. Aim 3. FY22: Evaluate and advance stacked lines from greenhouse to field FY23: Milestone: Stacked lines 210% EPA, 24% DHA, 2100 µg/g astaxanthin, 2800 µg/g vitamin E. FY22-24: Field evaluation and bulking of seeds with stacked oil traits. FY23-24: Seek feed trial and bio-processing collaborations.

Economic Benefit for Nebraska Soybean Producers:
The project will deliver soybean germplasm with oil composition tailored for multiple high-value aquaculture feed streams with no or minimal impact on seed protein levels. Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food markets. Demand for aquaculture feed is expected to increase annually by >7% to $71.6 billion USD by 2025. Astaxanthin is currently the most expensive aquaculture feed components at ~$2,500/kg.

Findings and potential intellectual property resulting from the proposed research will be disseminated to the Nebraska Soybean Board. Key findings generated from these studies will be made available to the public through presentations at national and international meetings and by publication in refereed scientific journals, following filing of patent applications, as needed, for intellectual property protection.

Updated May 26, 2023:

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The project has addressed the Nebraska Soybean Board focus area of germplasm improvement for composition and yield. The project has generated germplasm that produces seed oils with the key, high value traits: fish oil EPA, astaxanthin pigment for consumer-desired fish flesh color, and high vitamin E antioxidants to stabilize EPA from production of off-flavors. Nearly 50% of fish that is consumed globally is farm-raised, and this production system is anticipated to expand as
world population grows, ocean stocks of fish dwindle, and consumers place more emphasis on fish for healthy diets. Soybean is and will increasingly be a major sustainable source of aquaculture protein and oil feedstocks. Our research will increase the bushel price of soybeans and deliver high value oil traits that will increase the market share of Nebraska and US soybean for the aquaculture feed market.