This program targets the implementation of the tools of biotechnology 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 to enhance yield and/or protect yield under stress conditions. Here, 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. This program continues to evaluate genetic approaches to produce a soybean-based feedstock for plantbased 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. More recently the program has created edits in major seed storage proteins, this triggers protein “rebalancing”,??that can impact protein quality and functionality of the harvest. In addition, we are exploring the introduction of the gene call responsible for the tolerance in rice, towards the rice gall midge, in soybean to monitor if the expression of this gene imparts a resistance response to the relative, soybean gall midge.
Continued support of this program will enable us to continue efforts towards: 1- the building of the ideotype soybean feedstock for aquaculture, 2- developing soybean lineages that harbor genome edited null mutations in four seed storage proteins to improve the quality of the protein reserve in the seed for feed and food applications, without compromising oil, 3- evaluate genetic alleles designed to lead towards the synthesis of increased oil, without impacting protein, 4- test an approach to improve harvest index in soybean, and 5- investigate a genetic strategy to combat soybean gall midge.

1- Genetic approach to influence harvest index in soybean
2- Testing the rice gall midge resistance allele in soybean to combat soybean gall midge
3- Designing a soybean-based feedstock for veggie patties
4- Genome editing of seed proteins

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 and 2023. 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 2022 (behind on this), with small field plot testing in summer of 2023. The genome editing of the targeted seed storage proteins component have been genotyped, and seed of selected lines being bulked under greenhouse conditions. We are behind on field trials, on the edited lines. We hope to get sufficient seed to get small plots in 2022, with larger plots in 2023. Stacking of edited lines with selected transgenic alleles and genotype progeny (2022/2023). Develop transgenic soybean events carrying rice gall midge resistance gene (2022). Characterize at molecular level and phenotype for soybean gall midge resistance 2023. Secondly, in collaboration with Ed Cahoon’s group will continue to introduce transgenic alleles into soybean towards the development of a soybean-based feedstock for aquaculture, building off our success over the past few years. Bulk seed and seek funding opportunities for fish feeding trials.

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