Phenotyping under field conditions of the selected lead events carrying the respective transgenes for photosynthesis boost, stacked with a subset oil genes will be conducted 2017, with greenhouse and small scale testing initiated with transgene stacks for the complete set of photosynthesis genes and lipid genes, in both lanceolate leaf and conventional genetic backgrounds in 2018. The goal being the creation of soybean transgenic lineages that harbor transgenes to boost photosynthesis while enhancing sink strength towards oil, without compromising protein.
Preliminary characterization of the soybean events carrying transgenes to alter stomata number will be carried out during along with physiological data acquisition during 2017, with small scale field plot studies in 2018.
SCN screening with the Giesler group on the transgenic soybean events carrying the AQP transgene will continue through 2017, with field trials planned for 2018 to monitor impact of the AQP transgenic allele on agronomic performance under both irrigated and non-irrigated conditions. With respect to the baking oil component of the program, during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons we will conduct expanded trials to permit data collection on various agronomic traits and
allow for securing of sufficient oil for down-stream testing for baking applications.
The aphid control component of the program will entail screening of the transgenic events carrying the new genetic element designed to simultaneously target four critical genes in the insect during 2017. If successful in observing an enhanced aphid resistance phenotype relative to the single and double gene target vectors, small plots will be planted in the field during 2018.