SGlu2 gene expression in coats of soybean seeds

Abstract

Glucanases can act in plant defense against biotic factors. Despite its importance, research to study the expression of genes encoding glucanases in soybean seed coats is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the relative expression of the SGlu2 gene (β-1.3-Glucanase 2), possibly involved in defense against biotic factors, in coats of seeds of four soybean genotypes. Two genotypes of black seed coats, IAC and TP, and two of yellow seed coats, BMX Potência RR and CD 202 were used. Seeds were multiplied in a greenhouse at Embrapa Clima Temperado - ETB, and the gene expression assay was performed at the Laboratório de Sementes e Biotecnologia, UFPel. Seed coat gene expression was assessed by qPCR technique in four development stages: 40, 45, 50 and 55 days after anthesis. The SGlu2 gene shows more expression in the BMX Potência RR genotype compared to other genotypes. The gene expression in the seed coat is constant in different development stages of CD 202 cultivar and IAC and TP strains, except at 45 DAA (days after application) for this latter genotype.