2013
Enhancing disease resistance in soybean through the tools of biotechnology
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
GeneticsGenomics
Lead Principal Investigator:
Tom Clemente, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Co-Principal Investigators:
Feng Qu, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
Anne Dorrance, The Ohio State University
+1 More
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:

The goal of this program is to evaluate transgenic approaches to provide resistance to viral attack, and aphid predation. The resultant genetic material from this program can then be incorporated into integrated pest management practices as a means to generate stable resistance under field conditions.

Unique Keywords:
#breeding & genetics, #soybean bioengineering, #soybean disease genetic resistance
Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Final Project Results

Through exploitation of RNA interference technology we have successfully developed transgenic soybean events which are simultaneously resistant to three major soybean virus diseases, soybean mosaic virus (SMV), alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and bean pod mottle virus (BPMV). Over the course of the past year, we challenged field plots planted with a subset of the transgenic events, along with appropriate control plots, with inoculum mixtures of the three viruses. The data gathered from this study revealed that the resistance phenotype is stable across multiple generations.

A second set of field trials were conducted to gain insight on protection of yield relying upon natural infections. The information gleaned from these latter trials is suggestive of a yield protection benefit, albeit additional studies are required to confirm these preliminary observations.

The second component of this program targets RNA interference technology as a means to combat aphid predation. Here we have assembled vector constructs carrying genetic elements designed to synthesize either small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or micro RNAs (miRNAs) in soybean, which when presented to the insect during feeding theoretically should impede expression of critical genes for aphid survival. Transgenic soybean events have been established that harbor the genetic elements designed for the accumulation of both siRNAs and miRNAs. Preliminary data gathered from aphid challenged transgenic soybeans producing siRNAs were promising. Deeper genetic and phenotypic characterizations of these transgenic soybean events are necessary to support the initial observations and monitor durability and stability of a resistance phenotype through these RNA interference strategies.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.