Deficient Soybean Research Articles

Promising role of selenium in mitigating the negative effects of iron deficiency in soybean leaves

Little is known about the role of selenium (Se) in modulating the nutritional status and the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defense system in iron(Fe)-deficient soybean. Hence, this work aimed to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of Se applied in the nutrient solution on photosynthetic pigments, nutritional status, reactive oxygen species accumulation, ascorbate and glutathione metabolites, activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis pathway of these metabolites, and antioxidant defense enzymes, including expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) isoforms, after exposure to absence, deficiency, and sufficiency of Fe in combination with absence and presence of Se. The experimental design was completely randomized with 5 replications, containing 4 plants per pot. In this work, through physiological, biochemical, and molecular analyses, we observed a beneficial effect of Se in soybean plants with Fe suppression, mainly in the absence of Fe. Thus, in the absence of Fe with Se, there was higher remobilization of Fe and maintenance of foliar N concentration, which resulted in mitigation of leaf chlorosis and decreased loss of photosynthetic pigments. Additionally, under this cultivation condition, the main positive effect of Se was shown to be associated with the modulation of the glutathione cycle, with increases in the reduced glutathione and total glutathione content, reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, and in the activity of the γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase enzymes. The Se supply also reduced the need to replace SOD-Fe with SOD-Cu due to the positive modulation in the crosstalk between Fe and Cu, as well as attenuated the nutritional imbalance of Zn and Mn, mainly in the absence of Fe. These adjustments prevented lipid peroxidation and showed the beneficial role of Se in Fe-depleted plants.

Exploring the optimum spectral bands and pre-treatments for chlorophyll assessment in sunflower leaves from yellowness index

ABSTRACT The Yellowness Index (YI) was originally developed for evaluating manganese deficient soybean leaves, but it has been successfully applied to indicate chlorosis in stressed leaves of other plant species. Despite distinct vegetal species present very similar spectral signatures, there are subtle differences in their reflectance patterns and magnitudes that influence the performances and the wavelengths used to calculate spectral indices. In this study, an algorithm was developed, capable of finding the best wavelengths for assessing chlorosis of leaves using the YI. The proposed algorithm was tested with spectral reflectance measurements for estimating the chlorophyll content of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leaves submitted to different water stress levels. Original spectral signatures were pre-treated by centring, normalization and detrending methods prior chemometric analyses and results were also evaluated. Both original and modified YI resulted in suitable predictions of sunflower leaf chlorophyll content. The modified YI based on spectra pre-treated with detrend method, and centred between 662 and 750 nm with a band separation of 44 nm, reached higher r2 value (82.31%) and lower RMSE (2.28 and 2.67 µg cm−2) both for calibration and validation datasets, when compared with the results of the other tested pre-treatments and spectral ranges. The proposed algorithm was efficient to search better performances for YI, finding the best wavelengths for assessing chlorophyll content of sunflower leaves. It can be easily used for different chlorosis reference measurements and plant species. When implemented in a software package the proposed algorithm resulted in an effective tool, quickly performing thousand tests by using files containing many spectra and sample data.

A chlorophyll-deficient, highly reflective soybean mutant: radiative forcing and yield gaps

Sunlight absorbed at the Earth’s surface is re-emitted as longwave radiation. Increasing atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases trap an increasing fraction of such heat, leading to global climate change. Here we show that when a chlorophyll (Chl)-deficient soybean mutant is grown in the field, the fraction of solar-irradiance which is reflected, rather than absorbed, is consistently higher than in commercial varieties. But, while the effect on radiative forcing during the crop cycle at the scale of the individual experimental plot was found to be large (−4.1± 0.6 W m−2), global substitution of the current varieties with this genotype would cause a small increase in global surface albedo, resulting in a global shortwave radiative forcing of −0.003 W m−2, corresponding to 4.4 Gt CO2eq.At present, this offsetting effect would come at the expense of reductions to yields, probably associated with different dynamic of photosynthetic response in the Chl-deficient mutant. The idea of reducing surface-driven radiative forcing by means of Chl-deficient crops therefore requires that novel high-yielding and high-albedo crops are made available soon.

Phosphorus Nutrition Affects Temperature Response of Soybean Growth and Canopy Photosynthesis.

In nature, crops such as soybean are concurrently exposed to temperature (T) stress and phosphorus (P) deficiency. However, there is a lack of reports regarding soybean response to T × P interaction. To fill in this knowledge-gap, soybean was grown at four daily mean T of 22, 26, 30, and 34°C (moderately low, optimum, moderately high, and high temperature, respectively) each under sufficient (0.5 mM) and deficient (0.08 mM) P nutrition for the entire season. Phosphorus deficiency exacerbated the low temperature stress, with further restrictions on growth and net photosynthesis. For P deficient soybean at above optimum temperature (OT) regimes, growth, and photosynthesis was maintained at levels close to those of P sufficient plants, despite a lower tissue P concentration. P deficiency consistently decreased plant tissue P concentration ≈55% across temperatures while increasing intrinsic P utilization efficiency of canopy photosynthesis up to 147%, indicating a better utilization of tissue P. Warmer than OTs delayed the time to anthesis by 8–14 days and pod development similarly across P levels. However, biomass partitioning to pods was greater under P deficiency. There were significant T × P interactions for traits such as plant growth rates, total leaf area, biomass partitioning, and dry matter production, which resulted a distinct T response of soybean growth between sufficient and deficient P nutrition. Under sufficient P level, both lower and higher than optimum T tended to decrease total dry matter production and canopy photosynthesis. However, under P-deficient condition, this decrease was primarily observed at the low T. Thus, warmer than optimum T of this study appeared to compensate for decreases in soybean canopy photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation resulting from P deficiency. However, warmer than OT appeared to adversely affect reproductive structures, such as pod development, across P fertilization. This occurred despite adaptations, especially the increased P utilization efficiency and biomass partitioning to pods, shown by soybean under P deficiency.

Leaf and canopy photosynthesis of a chlorophyll deficient soybean mutant.

The photosynthetic, optical, and morphological characteristics of a chlorophyll-deficient (Chl-deficient) "yellow" soybean mutant (MinnGold) were examined in comparison with 2 green varieties (MN0095 and Eiko). Despite the large difference in Chl content, similar leaf photosynthesis rates were maintained in the Chl-deficient mutant by offsetting the reduced absorption of red photons by a small increase in photochemical efficiency and lower non-photochemical quenching. When grown in the field, at full canopy cover, the mutants reflected a significantly larger proportion of incoming shortwave radiation, but the total canopy light absorption was only slightly reduced, most likely due to a deeper penetration of light into the canopy space. As a consequence, canopy-scale gross primary production and ecosystem respiration were comparable between the Chl-deficient mutant and the green variety. However, total biomass production was lower in the mutant, which indicates that processes other than steady state photosynthesis caused a reduction in biomass accumulation over time. Analysis of non-photochemical quenching relaxation and gas exchange in Chl-deficient and green leaves after transitions from high to low light conditions suggested that dynamic photosynthesis might be responsible for the reduced biomass production in the Chl-deficient mutant under field conditions.

High relative air humidity influences mineral accumulation and growth in iron deficient soybean plants.

Iron (Fe) deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybean results in severe yield losses. Cultivar selection is the most commonly used strategy to avoid IDC but there is a clear interaction between genotype and the environment; therefore, the search for quick and reliable tools to control this nutrient deficiency is essential. Several studies showed that relative humidity (RH) may influence the long distance transport of mineral elements and the nutrient status of plants. Thus, we decided to analyze the response of an “Fe-efficient” (EF) and an “Fe-inefficient” (INF) soybean accession grown under Fe-sufficient and deficient conditions under low (60%) and high (90%) RH, evaluating morphological, and physiological parameters. Furthermore, the mineral content of different plant organs was analyzed. Our results showed beneficial effects of high RH in alleviating IDC symptoms as seen by increased SPAD values, higher plant dry weight (DW), increased plant height, root length, and leaf area. This positive effect of RH in reducing IDC symptoms was more pronounced in the EF accession. Also, Fe content in the different plant organs of the EF accession grown under deficient conditions increased with RH. The lower partitioning of Fe to roots and stems of the EF accessions relative to dry matter also supported our hypothesis, suggesting a greater capacity of this accession in Fe translocation to the aerial parts under Fe deficient conditions, when grown under high RH.

Identifying sulfur deficient fields by using sulfur content; N:S ratio and nutrient stoichiometric relationships in soybean seeds

Sulfur (S) fertilization has increasingly become an important issue in crop management. In Argentina S deficiencies have been reported, but there has been no success in finding soil tests for predicting soybean response to S fertilization. The objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate seed S and N:S ratio as a tool for identifying S deficient soybean crops in field conditions and (ii) determine shifts in stoichiometric relationships among nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and S in soybean seeds which can be used for identifying S responsive sites under field conditions. Seed samples from 20 field experiments designed to explore response to S fertilization in soybean were collected in a large area in the Argentinean Pampas region. Seed yield (SY) and P (%P), S (%S) and N (%N) concentration in seeds were determined. Different data analyses were tested in order to find an S deficiency index. Moderate SY responses to S fertilization were observed in the present study (i.e. relative SY was never below 75%). seed S concentration increased in response to S fertilization in most responsive sites, and N:S ratio was governed by variations in seed S concentration. Stoichiometric relationships were more accurate for identifying S responsive sites than using single variables (e.g. seed S concentration or N:S). The isometric variations among N, P and S suggest that the accumulation of these nutrients is proportional in seed tissue. A significant increase in the intercept of the stoichiometric relationship between N and S in S deficient crops was observed. An S deficient index (SDI) was calculated based on this difference that can be used as a diagnostic tool for identifying S responsive sites in soybean. The present study shows a novel approach for using stoichiometric concepts in fertilizer management in soybean.

Seed Number and Yield Determination in Sulfur Deficient Soybean Crops

ABSTRACT In soybean, seed number and yield is largely determined by the environmental conditions between initial bloom and the beginning of seed filling. Four field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of two sources of sulfur (S) on crop growth during the critical period of seed number determination and yield. Ammonium sulfate and gypsum were applied at a rate of 15 kg S ha− 1. Seed yield was closely related to the number of seeds per m2 (R2 = 0.93), but seed number was not related to crop growth between bloom and the beginning of seed filling. There was no effect of fertilization on aboveground biomass accumulation until the seed filling period began. The results from this study suggest that a moderate S deficiency reduced seed yield by affecting crop growth during the seed filling period. This late effect of a moderate S deficiency could be a consequence of the known high sulfate mobility in soils and low S remobilization in plants.

Molecular characterization of a β-conglycinin deficient soybean

The soybean seed storage protein β-conglycinin has a low amino acid score, shows lower functional gelling properties compared with glycinin and contains a major allergen. The wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb et Zucc.) QT2 lacks all the subunits of β-conglycinin, and this deficiency is controlled by a single dominant gene Scg-1 (suppressor of β-conglycinin). Scg-1 was introduced into a soybean cultivar Fukuyutaka from QT2 and this near-isogenic line was designated as QY7-25. Segregation analyses of the progeny derived from a cross between QY7-25 and the wild type did not show any significant changes caused by Scg-1 in the germination ratio and seed weight. Low amounts of mRNAs for the α ’, α and β subunits of β-conglycinin were detected by RT-PCR in QY7-25. We revealed that an α subunit mRNA expressed from a region which replaced with mutant line in the near-isogenic line QY7-25 by single nucleotide polymorphisms analysis. In addition, an abnormal splicing event in a cDNA clone for the β subunit isolated from immature seed of QY7-25 was observed. Southern analysis using the coding region of α ’ subunit gene as a probe revealed a polymorphism between QY7-25 and wild type and this genotypes co-segregate with the deficiency of β-conglycinin subunits. These results suggest that the β-conglycinin deficiency might be controlled by a claster region of β-conglycinin subunit genes. In the present study, no agronomical disadvantage in QY7-25 was observed, confirming that Scg-1 is a valuable gene for soybean breeding.

Effect of Soybean Lipoxygenase on Volatile Generation and Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Mycelial Growth

Volatiles generated from lipoxygenase (LOX) normal and LOX deficient soybean (Glycine max) varieties with and without added lipase inhibited Aspergillus flavus mycelial growth and aflatoxin production. Soybean volatiles were analyzed using a solid phase microextraction (SPME) method combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Twenty-one compounds, including 11 aldehydes, three alcohols, four ketones, one furan, one alkane, and one alkene were detected in the LOX normal soybean line. However, only nine volatile compounds were observed in the LOX deficient soybean variety. The antifungal aldehydes hexanal and (E)-2-hexenal were observed in both LOX normal and LOX deficient lines and were detected at significantly higher amounts in soybean homogenate with added lipase. These aldehydes may be formed through alternate pathways, other than the LOX pathway, and may account for the inhibition of A. flavus growth observed. Other volatiles detected, particularly the ketones and alcohols, may contribute to the antifungal activity observed in both LOX normal and LOX deficient soybean lines. These results suggest that other factors, other than LOX activity, may better explain why soybeans are generally not as severely affected by A. flavus and aflatoxin contamination as other oilseed crops.

Changes of Donor and Acceptor Side in Photosystem 2 Complex Induced by Iron Deficiency in Attached Soybean and Maize Leaves

Photosynthesis in iron-deficient soybean and maize leaves decreased drastically. The quantum yield of photosystem 2 (PS2) electron transport (ΦPS2), the efficiency of excitation energy capture by open PS2 reaction centres (Fv′/Fm′), and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) under high irradiance were lowered significantly by iron deficiency, but non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased markedly. The analysis of the polyphasic rise of fluorescence transient showed that iron depletion induced a pronounced K step both in soybean and maize leaves. The maximal quantum yield of PS2 photochemistry (Φpo) decreased only slightly, however, the efficiency with which a trapped exciton can move an electron into the electron transport chain further than QA (Ψ0) and the quantum yield of electron transport beyond QA (ΨEo) in iron deficient leaves decreased more significantly compared with that in control. Thus not only the donor side but also the acceptor of PS2 was probably damaged in iron deficient soybean and maize leaves.

Fluorescence and reflectance characteristics of manganese deficient soybean leaves: Effects of leaf age and choice of leaflet

Fluorescence and reflectance characteristics of manganese deficient soybean leaves: Effects of leaf age and choice of leaflet

Yield Compensation for Stand Deficiencies by Determinate and Indeterminate Growth‐Habit Soybean

AbstractSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] stands that emerge poorly are often replanted without taking into consideration the yield compensating ability of the plant in the field. This study was done to determine if compensation for yield in deficient soybean stands is influenced by the growth habit (determinate versus indeterminate). Gaps imposed at or before stage V2 were used to generate stand deficiencies. Compensation for yield in stands having gaps of fixed sizes was measured in the indeterminate cultivar Cumberland and the determinate cultivars Gnome, Sprite, and Pixie in 1981 and 1982. Three seeding dates were used in trials conducted on a Flanagan silt loam (Aquic Argiudoll) at Urbana, IL, and on a Cisne silt loam (Mollic Albaqualf) at Brownstown, IL. Compensation in yield for missing plants was found in both the rows with gaps and in adjacent full rows. Grain yields in gapped rows, having stand reductions equal to 63%, averaged 1614 kg/ha, or 55% of the control plot yield of 2923 kg/ha. Yields in adjacent full rows increased as much as 19% in response to the 63% stand reduction in gapped rows. In 1983, the determinate cultivar Sprite and the indeterminate, Asgrow A3127, were compared under farm field conditions where random gaps of various size were imposed as treatments. A single timely seeding was used. High levels of yield compensation for missing plants were again measured. Grain yields resulting from 60% stand reductions were only 25% less than those of full stands. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate gap x cultivar responses. The lack of a cultivar × gap interaction found in the analysis of variance suggested compensation for irregular or gap‐filled stands was not influenced by the growth habit of the soybean.

Effect of sulfur supply on sulfate uptake, and alkaline sulfatase activity in free-living and symbiotic bradyrhizobia

The effect of sulfur limitation on sulfate transport and metabolism was studied in four bradyrhizobia strains using sulfur-limited and sulfur-excess chemostat cultures. Characteristics of bradyrhizobia associated with sulfurlimitation were determined and these parameters used to bioassay the sulfur status of bacteroids in nodules on sulfur adequate or sulfur deficient soybean and peanut plants. Sulfur-limited cells took up sulfate 16- to 100-fold faster than sulfur-rich cells. The sulfate-uptake system appeared similar in all strains with apparent Km values ranging from 3.1 μM to 20 μM sulfate with maximum activities between 1.6 and 10 nmol·min-1·mg-1 protein of cells. Sulfate-limited cells of all strains derepressed the enzyme alkaline sulfatase in parallel with the derepression of the sulfate transport system. Similarly, the initial enzyme of sulfate assimilation (ATP sulfurylase) was fully derepressed in sulfur-limited cultures. Bacteroids isolated from sulfur adequate and sulfur deficient soybean and peanut possessed very limited sulfate uptake activity and low levels of activity of ATP sulfurylase as well as lacking alkaline sulfatase activity. These results indicate bacteriods have access to adequate sulfur to meet their requirements even when the host plant is sulfur-deficient.