The photosynthetic component of the program will include continuation of the field trials with selected lead events that carry the transgenic alleles shown to increase photosynthesis, in both standard leaf and lanceolate leaf genetic backgrounds, under both irrigated and non-irrigated environments. Moreover, the photosynthesis genes are being stacked with genes to increase carbon flux to oil during seed development, to investigate if this approach will translate to a soybean with higher oil, without impacting protein level. This program will also characterize novel transgenic soybean events that have reduced number of stomata on their leaves for drought tolerance. In addition, this program developed a single genetic element strategy that leads to the production of a soybean oil with saturated fatty acids, approximately, 25% coupled with oleic acid over 55%. Such an oil is a semisolid at room temperature and has uses in baking applications. Support of this program will enable us to conduct another field trial for more quantities for testing in end use applications. Reagents designed to create null mutations in three seed storage proteins are currently being introduced into soybean. Genotyping and subsequent monitoring of the protein quantity/quality of the derived soybean will be determined. In collaboration with Joe Lewis (Department of Entomology) and Bin Yu (School of Biological Sciences) soybean events, carrying interfering microRNAs towards aphids, will continue to be vetted for resistance to the insect. Lastly, in collaboration with Ed Cahoon, in Biochemistry at UNL, we are employing synthetic biology approaches to create multi-gene stacks for the development of a soybean for aquaculture.