This program targets the implementation of the tools of biotechnology as a means to introduce novel input and output traits into soybean. The derived transgenic events expressing the targeted trait(s) are characterized at the genetic level and subsequently phenotyped under greenhouse conditions. Lead transgenic events are then selected based on the data gathered from these initial genetic and phenotypic evaluations. Selected lead events per transgenic trait are then characterized under field environments at UNL’s Plant Biotechnology Field Facility for agronomics and stability of the trait(s) of interest. The traits currently being researched and developed under this program include strategies to improve harvest index as a means to enhance yield and/or protect yield under stress conditions. Moreover, through resources
provided by USB the transgenic allele designed to store carbon/nitrogen in vegetative tissue is being stacked with transgenes to elevate oil percentage, without comprising protein quality or quantity. Another trait being targeted is alteration of stomata (gas/water pores) numbers on the leaf surface, as a means to influence water use efficiency in soybean. More recently the program is designing genetic approaches to produce a soybean-based feedstock for plant-based burger formulations. Here genetic stacks are being created and tested that combine high solids oil (high in stearic acid and oleic acid), coupled with the synthesis of leghemoglobin in the seed. Lastly, the program is continuing to evaluate soybean events carrying interfering RNAs designed to impede aphid feeding, continued efforts towards the building of the ideotype soybean feedstock for aquaculture, along with developing soybean lineages that harbor genome edited null mutations in four seed storage proteins as a means to improve the quality of the protein reserve in the seed for feed and food applications.

1) Design genetic approaches to influence harvest index
2) Design genetic strategies to alter stomate number on the leaf surface to improve water use efficiency in soybean
3) Design a soybean-based feedstock for veggie patties
4) Utilize genome editing tools for targeted improvement of protein quality and functionality in soybean
5) Continue to collaborate with colleagues on novel resistance approaches towards aphids and development of a soybean-based feedstock for aquaculture

Transgenic events carrying the VSP alone and stacked with transgenic alleles designed to pull carbon towards oil will be characterized at the molecular and phenotypic level through fall/winter 2021. Lead events selected with small field trials initiated in summer 2022.

The vetted soybean events carrying transgenes to alter stomata number continue to be bulked in Nebraska. We will begin shipping bulk seed of transgenic events in spring of 2021 to collaborators in IL. Lead events vetted from these will be field tested in both Nebraska and IL in 2022, which IL colleagues have resources for the IL phenotyping and field trials.

The characterizations of the soybean events carrying the two versions of the leghemoglobin transgenic alleles (pPTN1460 and pPTN1579) will continue to be characterized alone and stacked with the goosegrass PPO1 transgenic allele. If the approach to synthesize active leghemoglobin is successful crosses will be initiated to create stacks with the high solids oil trait previously generated in the Fall of 2021, with small field plot testing in summer of 2022.

The genome editing of the targeted seed storage proteins component of the program will characterize the SAM22 and P34 edited alleles and create stacks of these by the Fall of 2021. Seek non-regulated status of the lineages form the USDA with plans for small field trials in the summer of 2020. Soybean events carrying the new editing reagents targeting glycinin and ßconglycinin targets will be genotyped spring summer of 2021 and if successful these edits will be stacked with the SAM22 and P34 alone and together during the spring summer of 2022.

Continued support of this program will enable us to evaluate the RNAi interference approach to combat aphid predation. If the next greenhouse study has similar outcomes of the previous two, displaying a resistant phenotype. Plans will be put in place to bulk the seed in 2021, and identify a location in Nebraska with a reliable aphids infestation history to field test in 2022. Secondly, in collaboration with Ed Cahoon’s group will continue to introduced transgenic alleles into soybean towards the development of a soybean-based feedstock for aquaculture, building off our success over the past year (EPA level >11%).

Results and potential intellectual property rights derived from this research will be communicated to the Nebraska Soybean Board. The data ultimately will be communicated through national and international meetings and published in refereed journals.

Updated May 26, 2023:

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This program is developing, testing and learning from the introduction of novel genetic variation in soybean. This genetic variation is targeting both input (benefit producer) and output traits (benefit the consumer). In regards to the former we are testing genetic designs for improvement in harvest index, and resistance to soybean gall midge, and the latter for genetic approaches leading to improved protein digestibility and other quality traits for both the food and feed markets.

Continued support of this program will enable the research and development of novel genetic strategies that target means to influence quality and quantity of yield and/or protection of yield. Outcomes from these studies hold great potential to increase productivity and expand the soybean market through improved oil and protein quality. Importantly, this program is inherently interdisciplinary tapping upon various scientific disciplines to address the various objectives and research activities.