In this multi-investigator collaborative proposal we use an integrated approach to discover and apply genetic resources (wild soybean lines and mutants by Drs. Gu and Li), gene and protein markers (by Drs. Subramanian, Rohila and Nepal), root colonizing microbes (by Drs. Subramanian and Brozel) and field genomics testing of slow wilting lines (by Drs. Clay, Horvath, Subramanian and Ms. Hansen). Wild soybean is a sustainable resource of novel alleles that can be employed to improve varieties for resistance to the local stress factors, such as iron deficiency chlorosis and soybean aphids. Improved genomics and management approaches for dryland systems that include soybean would increase yields or at least stabilize yield during drought years, create new wealth, improve the stability of rural communities, and increase the stability of the nation’s renewable resources even if a drought does not occur. A pipeline research approach where producers identifying problems are physically connected and interacting with scientist involved in research and development is used. This approach creates an intellectual infrastructure where research priorities are aligned with real problems. This approach also provides a mechanism for rapid delivery of information products to end users.

Summary of Outputs/Accomplishments: Crop yields in the Northern Great Plains are limited by a range of stress factors associated with water availability. Across the state, one or two summer rains represent the difference between a drought and a bountiful season. The project has been very busy and produced many promising results. Some are listed here:
• 209 lines of soybeans with genetic resources from wild-soybean obtained among which roughly 30% have a high degree of tolerance against IDC.
• Specific pathways and roughly 2000 target genes identified for further analysis and genetic targeting.
• Proteomics techniques established to study soybean leaf and seed proteins including the identification of specific proteins associated with drought stress in the leaves.
• Identification and characterization of soybean signaling proteins (GmMAPKs).
• Ascorbate-glutathione pathways identified as a biomarker for drought tolerance in soybean
• Genes associated with nitrogen fixation and transport with potential for manipulation to enhance N availability during drought stress have been identified.
• Microbiome of soybean root surface using SD soils has been established to identify beneficial microbes promoting growth under stress
• Genes and genetic material with altered leaf architecture and stem hair development towards enhanced yields and insect/stress resistance.
• Accumulation of the phytoalexin coumestrol under water stress has been identified as one of the most dramatic changes in metabolites.
• Promoter analyses have identified both known and novel switches that turn on drought-responsive genes.
• Metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics reveals that new synthesis of amino acids occurs. These act to protect the plant from dehydration.