Due to the complex nature of the mechanisms associated with drought tolerance in soybean, identifying molecular markers that could be used for selection has proven to be difficult. From this study we hope that by exploring the subtle differences in gene expression of drought sensitive and drought tolerant genotypes will enable us to identify drought related genes and co-expression networks that could be used for selection of traits that are associated with WUE.
This information can shed some light on the mechanisms used by plants to sustain drought and be used to select for soybean varieties with improved water use efficiency. The research proposed has the potential to be particularly relevant to soybean growers in SC, where drought stress tends to be more serve.
We also plan to work with Denise Attaway, PSA Media Relations, to relay information about this project to the public. The target audiences for this communication plan are South Carolina soybean producers, state legislators and the general public. This will involve local, state and regional media with print stories, broadcast pieces (audio for radio stations and video for television stations), as well as digital media and Social Network posts. In addition, results from this study will be presented in reports, field days, conference presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals.