Growth Habit Research Articles

Morphological Characterization and Diversity Assessment of Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes using DUS Descriptors as per PPV and FRA, 2001

Background: Variety characterization is the foremost important step that should be done by breeders to classify a variety into distinct groups. A significant technique for locating and assessing several genotypes for the registration, protection and production of seeds of superior quality is the Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) characterization. Consequently, the current investigation aimed to use DUS descriptors to describe and assess the variance present in mungbean genotypes. Methods: One hundred forty-two mungbean genotypes were examined using 21 agro-morphological qualitative DUS descriptors in a randomized block design with two replications across two seasons, kharif 2021 and kharif 2022. Result: In the twenty-one DUS traits that were examined, four characters’ plant growth habit, leaf shape, leaf size and seed size exhibited trimorphic variance. Three characters (plant habit, stem pubescence and pod pubescence) were found to be identical among all genotypes while fourteen characters displayed dimorphic variance. All of the mungbean genotypes displayed a significant degree of variance for all DUS characteristics. Based on the UPGMA method of clustering, the dendrogram classified all the one hundred forty-two genotypes into three major clusters. The presence of variation among the genotypes under study was demonstrated by the further classification of these primary clusters into five sub-clusters. The majority of the genotypes were found in cluster II (121 genotypes), which was followed by cluster I (18 genotypes) and cluster III (3 genotypes).

Targeted Anthocyanin Profiling of Fruits from Three Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars Propagated in Colombia.

The blueberry, a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family, is celebrated for its delightful flavor, sweetness, and abundance of anthocyanins and antioxidants, qualities that have garnered significant attention for their potential health benefits. Blueberries grown in diverse environments and exhibit varied anthocyanin profiles, often influenced by factors such as altitude and climate. Varietal groups worldwide have been bred and categorized based on their growth habits and specific cold requirements, particularly with southern highbush cultivars thriving in temperate climates, demonstrating tolerance to higher altitudes or cooler climates-a result of hybridizations involving various Vaccinium species. In the Colombian Andes, southern highbush blueberries thrive in unique high-altitude conditions, leading to exceptional quality due to the region's cool climate and specific soil characteristics. In this context, this study aimed to chemically characterize and differentiate three southern highbush blueberry cultivars (i.e., 'Biloxi,' 'Legacy' and 'Sharpblue') cultivated in a Colombian Andean plateau and compare them to three commercially available highbush blueberries. This comprehensive evaluation involved examining total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and DPPH· free-radical scavenging capacity, as well as conducting anthocyanin-targeted profiling via HPLC-DAD-HRMS. Through supervised multivariate analyses such as sPLS-DA, this study delved into the pattern recognition of those anthocyanins that could potentially serve as markers for quality and cultivar-related chemical trait determination. These findings locate blueberry-derived anthocyanins in a metabolic context and afford some insights into southern highbush blueberry cultivar differentiation to be used for further purposes.

Distribution and Regeneration Status of Albizia gummifera and Prunus africana along Agroecology in Agroforestry: The Case of Gombora District, Southern Ethiopia

Empirical evidence on the patterns of the multipurpose trees distribution and regeneration status, which are under threats pressure is necessary for the proper management and conservation of the species. Prunus africana is listed as vulnerable while Albizia gummifera is listed as least concern amongst the multipurpose trees. This study was aimed to investigate the distribution, abundance, density, and regeneration status of Prunus africana and Albizia gummifera along agroecology and farmers’ wealth status in agroforestry. Stratification sampling and equal sampling techniques were employed. A total of 162 quadrats were laid within the randomly selected 54 households’ farms. A nested quadrat size was 20 m × 20 m for enset tree-based homegarden and parklands. For live fencing, a quadrat size was 4 m × 10 m. Abundance, diameter (cm), height (m), and growth habits of both trees were recorded. Density (stems per ha), diameter class (cm), height (m) class of both trees, and mean of growth habit were analyzed and considered. One-way ANOVA analysis and independent t-test were employed for means comparison by using SPSS V. 23.0. A total of 132 individual A. gummifera was recorded along agroecology while a total of 55 individual P. africana was recorded along agroecology. Mean density (stem/ha) of A. gummifera and P. africana showed significant difference between agroecology and farmers’ wealth groups (P<0.05). A. gummifera and P. africana were sparsely distributed in the enset tree-based homegarden, parklands, and live fencing along agroecology. The overall diameter (cm) class and height (m) class distribution pattern of these tree species were observed as a J-shaped curve. The regeneration status of A. gummifera and P. africana was poor. In conclusion, distribution, abundance, and regeneration status of A. gummifera and P. africana were influenced by agroecology and farmers’ wealth status needing appropriate conservation measures.

Association of quantitative traits and genetic diversity in Ethiopian sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes

To enhance sesame yield, it is important to utilize diverse parents in breeding programs and implement an effective selection procedure, which exploits the association of quantitative traits. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to explore the correlation among quantitative traits and assess genetic variability and diversity using both qualitative and quantitative traits. Correlation coefficients indicated a noteworthy (P < 0.001) positive phenotypic (rp) and genotypic (rg) correlation between seed yield and various traits: plant height (rp = 0.60; rg = 0.58), length of the capsule-bearing zone (rp = 0.77; rg = 0.80), number of capsules on the main stem (rp = 0.80; rg = 0.85), primary branches (rp = 0.66; rg = 0.66), and capsules per plant (rp = 0.90; rg = 0.91). In contrast, a negative correlation (P < 0.001) was observed between yield and bacterial blight disease severity, both phenotypically (rp = −0.60) and genotypically (rg = −0.76). The analysis of path coefficients indicated that the most substantial positive direct effect on yield (0.77) was attributed to capsules per plant, whereas other traits associated with yield exhibited a significant indirect influence on yield through capsules per plant. Qualitative traits exhibited diversity, except for plant growth type, plant growth habit, and stem branching. Shannon-Weaner (H) and Simpson (1-D) diversity indices were higher for interior corolla color (H = 1.63; 1-D = 0.66), seed color (H = 1.50; 1-D = 0.46), and capsule beak type (H = 1.08; 1-D = 0.50). The analysis of variance indicated a notable variation among the examined genotypes regarding quantitative traits, excluding internode length. The plant materials were divided into five clusters through cluster analysis, where clusters I to V consisted of 21, 29, 4, 4, and 6 genotypes, respectively. The current study has shown that the yield of sesame can be enhanced through indirect selection for traits associated with yield, particularly the highest number of capsules per plant. Furthermore, examinations of genetic diversity confirmed the presence of variability within the assessed genotypes, providing valuable insights for upcoming sesame breeding programs.

Exploratory genomic sequence analysis reveals structural differences at key loci for growth habit, seed dormancy, and rust resistance in barley

Exploratory genomic sequence analysis reveals structural differences at key loci for growth habit, seed dormancy, and rust resistance in barley

Marker-assisted selection for scab resistance and columnar growth habit in inter-varietal population of apple (Malus × domestica)

Marker-assisted selection for scab resistance and columnar growth habit in inter-varietal population of apple (Malus × domestica)

Characterization of the Human Plasma Biofilm Model (hpBIOM) to Identify Potential Therapeutic Targets for Wound Management of Chronic Infections.

The treatment of chronic wounds still represents a major challenge in wound management. Recent estimates suggest that 60-80% of chronic wounds are colonized by pathogenic microorganisms, which are strongly considered to have a major inhibiting influence on the healing process. By means of an innovative biofilm model based on human plasma, the time-dependent behavior of various bacterial strains under wound-milieu-like conditions were investigated, and the growth habits of different cocci species were compared. Undescribed fusion events between colonies of MRSA as well as of Staphylococcus epidermidis were detected, which were associated with the remodeling and reorganization of the glycocalyx of the wound tissue. After reaching a maximum colony size, the spreading of individual bacteria was observed. Interestingly, the combination of different cocci species with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the human plasma biofilm revealed partial synergistic effects in these multispecies organizations. RT-qPCR analyses gave a first impression of the relevant proteins involved in the formation and maturation of biofilms, especially the role of fibrinogen-binding proteins. Knowledge of the maturation and growth behavior of persistent biofilms investigated in a translational human biofilm model reflects a starting point for the development of novel tools for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Quantifying shrub-shrub competition in drylands using aerial imagery and a novel landscape competition index.

The Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research Site (JRN-LTER, or JRN) is a semiarid grassland-shrubland in southern New Mexico, USA. The role of intraspecific competition in constraining shrub growth and establishment at the JRN and in arid systems, in general, is an important question in dryland studies. Using information on shrub distributions and growth habits at the JRN, we present a novel landscape-scale (c. 1 ha) metric (the 'competition index', CI), which quantifies the potential intensity of competitive interactions. We map and compare the intensity of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa, Torr.) competition spatially and temporally across the JRN-LTER, investigating associations of CI with shrub distribution, density, and soil types. The CI metric shows strong correlation with values of percent cover. Mapping CI across the Jornada Basin shows that high-intensity intraspecific competition is not prevalent, with few locations where intense competition is likely to be limiting further honey mesquite expansion. Comparison of CI among physiographic provinces shows differences in average CI values associated with geomorphology, topography, and soil type, suggesting that edaphic conditions may impose important constraints on honey mesquite and growth. However, declining and negative growth rates with increasing CI suggest that intraspecific competition constrains growth rates when CI increases above c. 0.5.

The effect of SiC on the growth habit of Fe-Ni-C system Ib gem grade diamond crystals

This article investigates the influence of different silicon carbide contents on the morphology and quality of diamond single crystals synthesized in the Fe-Ni-C-Si system under high temperature and pressure environments. It was found that silicon successfully entered the diamond lattice through bonding. As the doping concentration increases, the growth rate of diamond crystals decreases and defects appear on the crystal surface. The increase in internal stress in the lattice reduces the quality of diamond, as evidenced by the shift in Raman peak and half peak width of the diamond. Moreover, the infrared characterization results showed that the nitrogen element in the crystal exists as a single atom (C-center) in the diamond crystal, and the nitrogen content decreases with the increase of SiC content. This work provides insights for understanding the growth mechanism of natural diamonds and enriching the application of silicon doped diamond single crystals.

How Nutritious Are French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from the Citizen Science Experiment?

French beans are tender, immature, edible pods that are harvested early in the plant's growth cycle and are usually eaten cooked. The growth habits of French beans were studied for the first time in a Citizen Science experiment, and 19 pod samples were collected for further nutritional analysis. Various macronutrients (e.g., protein, ash, fat, carbohydrates, amino acids) and multi-element profiles were determined. A survey of their growing habits revealed that beans are usually planted once or twice a year in May and June at a length of 5-10 m, with a predominance of dwarf beans cultivation over climbing varieties, and pest resistance and stringless pods are the most important characteristics when deciding on a bean. Homogenised freeze-dried pod samples contained 16.1-23.1% protein, 4.5-8.2% ash, 0.1-1.1% fat, and 62.0-70.6% carbohydrates and had a caloric value of 337-363 kcal/100 g. Of the 17 free amino acids identified, 8 were essential (histidine, threonine, methionine, valine, lysine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine) and 9 were non-essential (cysteine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, arginine, alanine, proline, tyrosine); meanwhile, of the 12 elements, 5 were macroelements and 7 were microelements. The predominant free amino acids were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and serine. In the multiple comparisons (Box and Whisker plot), the parameters caloric value and iron showed the strongest response. A very strong positive significant Pearson correlation (≥0.95) was found for five pairs of variables within the free amino acids. Comparison of the nutrient data obtained in the pods showed near-perfect or high complementarity (85.2-103.4%) with the food composition databases for half of the parameters, suggesting that the home-grown French beans from the Citizen Science experiment are a highly nutritious vegetable.

Evaluation of lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] genotypes: unveiling superior pod yield, nutritional quality, and collar rot resistance.

Malnutrition continues to be a significant concern at unacceptably high levels globally. There is significant potential for addressing malnutrition of human population through the biofortification of climate-resilient vegetables using strategic breeding strategies. Lablab bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet], a underutilized nutrient-dense crop holds great potential in this aspect. Despite its advantageous nutritional profile, the production, research, and consumption of lablab bean are currently limited. Addressing these limitations and unlock the nutritional benefits of lablab beans needs to prioritized for fighting malnutrition in local inhabitants on a global scale. Twenty five genotypes of lablab bean collected through exploration survey in Eastern India and were evaluated in 2020-2021. Among them, the nine highly diverse well adapted genotypes were again evaluated at the experimental farm of ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, India in 2021-2022. Horticultural important traits of lablab bean were recorded by using the minimum descriptors developed by ICAR-NBPGR in New Delhi and biochemical analysis was done by using standard protocols. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis was done used understand relationships, interdependencies, and causal pathways between different traits. The outcome was revalidated by using principal component analysis (PCA). Descriptive statistics revealed substantial heterogeneity across the traits of lablab bean evaluated. Vitamin A content showed nearly a five-fold variation, Fe ranged from 5.97 to 10.5 mg/100 g, and Vitamin C varied from 4.61 to 9.45 mg/100 g. Earliness and dwarf growth was observed in RCPD-1 (60 cm) and early flowering (41 days). RCPD-3 and RCPD-12 had high pod yield due to their high number of pods and pod weight. Pod yield was significantly correlated with number of pod per plant (NPP) (rg = 0.995) and with average pod weight (APW) (rg = 0.882). A significant positive correlation was also found between protein and Zn content (rg = 0.769). Path coefficient analysis revealed that average pod weight had the most direct positive effect on pod yield, followed by NPP and protein content. The reaction of lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease was also evaluated and significant differences in disease intensity were observed among the genotypes, with the resistant check RCPD-15 exhibiting the lowest disease intensity. The study highlights the substantial heterogeneity in lablab bean traits, particularly in nutritional components such as vitamin A, iron, and vitamin C concentrations. Early flowering and dwarf growth habit are desirable qualities for lablab bean, and certain genotypes were found to exhibit these traits. Positive correlations, both phenotypic and genotypic, existed among different traits, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement. Path coefficient and PCA revealed genotypes with high yield and nutritional traits. Finally, resistant and moderately resistant lablab bean genotypes to collar rot disease were identified. These findings contribute to the selection and breeding strategies for improving lablab bean production and nutritional value.

A molecular mechanism for embryonic resetting of winter memory and restoration of winter annual growth habit in wheat.

The staple food crop winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) acquires competence to flower in late spring after experiencing prolonged cold in temperate winter seasons, through the physiological process of vernalization. Prolonged cold exposure results in transcriptional repression of the floral repressor VERNALIZATION 2 (TaVRN2) and activates the expression of the potent floral promoter VERNALIZATION 1 (TaVRN1). Cold-induced TaVRN1 activation and TaVRN2 repression are maintained in post-cold vegetative growth and development, leading to an epigenetic 'memory of winter cold', enabling spring flowering. When and how the cold memory is reset in wheat is essentially unknown. Here we report that the cold-induced TaVRN1 activation is inherited by early embryos, but reset in subsequent embryo development, whereas TaVRN2 remains silenced through seed development, but is reactivated rapidly by light during seed germination. We further found that a chromatin reader mediates embryonic resetting of TaVRN1 and that chromatin modifications play an important role in the regulation of TaVRN1 expression and thus the floral transition, in response to developmental state and environmental cues. The findings define a two-step molecular mechanism for re-establishing vernalization requirement in common wheat, ensuring that each generation must experience winter cold to acquire competence to flower in spring.

Leguminosas forrageiras herbáceas com características estruturais diversas podem exibir respostas produtivas semelhantes sob diferentes frequências de colheita

ABSTRACT: One of the main issues related to the management of forage legumes is the fact that these plants can be found in a broad diversity of morphology, structures and growth habits. This study evaluated the structural and productive characteristics of forage legumes with different growth habits [Clitoria ternatea L.; Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung; and Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande], in response to two harvesting frequencies (60 and 90 days). The experimental design was completely randomized in blocks, with a split-plot scheme and four replications (n=4). The type of forage legume influenced the number of secondary branches, the number of leaves per branch, leaf area index (LAI), light interception (LI), percentage of leaves and stems (%), leaf/stem ratio, and pod production (P&lt;0.05). D. pernambucanus had the lowest LI and LAI (P &lt; 0.05). Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande and C. ternatea showed a greater leaf percentage and leaf/stem ratio (P &lt; 0.05). There was an effect of the harvesting frequency on the percentage of stems, leaves, pod production, and total production (P &lt; 0.05). Longer harvesting frequencies affected differently these legumes, especially the accumulation of stems in D. pernambucanus, which displayed an intense increase after 60 days of growth. The choice of the best harvesting frequency for these legumes evaluated should consider the proposal of the usage. In our study, it was shown that harvesting at 60 days did not affect the total forage mass accumulated, which possibly is the most advantageous choice.

Cotton Meristem Transcriptomes: Constructing an RNA-Seq Pipeline to Explore Crop Architecture Regulation.

Plants stem cells, known as meristems, specify all patterns of growth and organ size. Differences in meristem activities contribute to diverse shoot architectures. As many architectural traits, such as branching patterns, flowering time, and fruit size, are yield determinants, meristem regulation is of fundamental importance to crop productivity. Cotton (Gossypium spp.) produces our most prevalent natural fiber that finds its way into products ranging from industrial cellulose, medical supplies, and paper currency, to a broad diversity of textiles, not least of which is our clothing. However, the cotton plant has growth habits that challenge management practices and limit harvest yield and quality. Unraveling and leveraging the genetic networks regulating meristem activities offers the potential to overcome these limitations. We use virus-based technologies in cotton to perturb signals regulating meristem fate and size. In this chapter, we describe our pipeline for altering cotton meristem dynamics and preparing, analyzing, and exploring the transcriptomes from isolated meristems.

Performance and Adaptability of Common Bean-Released Cultivars at Three Agro-Ecological Zones in Tanzania

This study focused on examining the genetic performance and stability of common bean genotypes across multiple environments in Tanzania using an alpha-lattice experimental design. The aim was to minimize environmental variability and maximize genetic expression. Three experimental sites were selected to represent the ecologies of the main bean growing areas of Tanzania, which are Tropical Savannah represented by TARI-Seliani, Tropical highlands represented by TARI-Uyole and semi-arid regions represented by Babati region. The sites were planted with are diverse of common bean genotypes, all of which were released for use in Tanzania. Agronomic practices, such as hand-hoe weeding and fertilizer application, were consistently applied. Key data collected included days to 50 percent flowering, growth habit, plant height, pod and seed count, yield per plot, and 100 seed weight. Advanced statistical analyses, including ANOVA, AMMI, and stability tests, were conducted using R software to evaluate yield and yield components. This paper findings discuss about the yield performance, stability, and the discriminating verses representative power across locations. In terms of yield, Babati was the leading site with mean yield of 1413.07 kilogram per hectare (kg/h)with Uyole 96 being the lead genotype (2845.567kg/h). Genotypes that were found to be stable and high-yielding in multiple locations include, Rojo, SUA Kalima, SAKILA, Fibea, and Nyeupe Uyole with the mean yields of 1045.83kg/h, 1023.73kg/h, 1003.33kg/h, 670.4kg/h and 544.77kg/h respectively. In discriminativeness and representativeness, Babati was the most discriminating site among the three locations while Seliani was the most representative among the three. These findings revealed significant variationsand allowed the assessment of genotype performance and environmental interactions.

A Review on Biology, Status, and Medicinal Importance of Echinochloa colona L.

Abstract Echinochloa colona L., commonly known as jungle rice, is a pervasive weed that poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity worldwide. This review explores the comprehensive aspects of the weed, including its biology, ecological status, and intriguing medicinal properties. As a C4 grass species, E. colona L. adapts well to diverse environmental conditions, leading to its wider spread distribution and adverse impact on crop yields. The review begins by delving into the weeds’ morphological and physiological characteristics, shedding light on its life cycle, growth habits, and reproductive mechanisms. The ecological status selection provides insights into E. colona L. global distribution, its impact on different crops, and the mechanisms that contribute to its resilience and adaptability. In addition to its role as a notorious weed, E. colona L. harbors medicinal properties that have been conventionally recognized in various cultures. The review explores the ethnobotanical uses of E. colona L., emphasizing its potential therapeutic benefits. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidants and exploration of its medicinal applications. Despite its weed status, understanding the ecological and biological aspects of E. colona L. is crucial for developing effective management strategies. Furthermore, recognizing the medicinal potential of this weed may offer alternative perspectives, fostering research into sustainable uses that could benefit both agriculture and human health. This comprehensive review provides a valuable resource for researchers, agronomists, and pharmacologists, guiding future studies aimed at harnessing the full potential of E. colona L.

Thaigardenia (Rubiaceae: Gardenieae), a new genus distributed from Thailand to South China

Identified as Gardenia over a century ago, three known species from Thailand to south China differ considerably from typical members of that genus, from which growth habits, aspects of branch architecture and corolla shape set them apart. They form a new genus, here named Thaigardenia, the species of which are scrambling to thicket-forming shrubs to sometimes treelets or small trees. They have typically unequal (asymmetric) development of each internode that offsets what began as opposite pairs of axillary buds (and potential axillary branches) from subtending leaf axils at the same level, and small infundibular corollas with insignificant tubular bases. In contrast, typical Gardenia are non-scrambling shrubs or trees, often have extra-axillary buds or branches that consistently continue to develop at the same level (i.e., remaining opposite); and showy hypocrateriform (salverform) corollas with elongate tubular bases. The unequal development of different sides of an internode that brings an initially opposite pair of axillary buds (branches) to different levels, so that they do not appear paired subsequently, is, as far as is known, unique and unknown in other Rubiaceae or opposite-leaved plants; this shared feature is a key synapomorphic character for species of the newly recognised genus.

Scion–Rootstock Combination Determines Pruning Responses in Young Almond Trees

Almond growers are seeking ways to reduce costs but maintain yield. Intensive planting systems with greater planting densities using trees on growth-controlling rootstocks, combined with mechanical pruning and shake-and-catch harvesting are becoming popular. In this study we examined the responses of six almond cultivars with distinctive architecture grafted onto five rootstocks with varying degrees of vigor control. Trees were planted in 2018 in a nursery row and left to grow without pruning until Winter 2021. Pruning involved a rudimentary hedging treatment akin to mechanical pruning. Branching and tree structure were recorded in 2020, before pruning, and again at the end of 2021, after one season’s growth following pruning. A rating system was developed to record qualitative data on central leader dominance and the number, length, basal diameter, and, in some cases, branching angle of axillary shoots and including scaffold branches. Relatively few changes were recorded in the basic growth habit of these trees in response to pruning. Before pruning, the most common rootstock effect was on axillary shoot production. After pruning, the most common rootstock effects were on scaffold branching and the length of subterminal axillary shoots. Further studies are required to determine how these differences produced by the interaction between pruning and rootstock may affect the productivity of fruit-bearing trees. Although in this study with young trees we were not able to record crop yield, the results highlight that it is mainly the scion–rootstock combination, with or without pruning, that determines the potential productivity of fruiting canopies. Scion–rootstock combinations that produce narrow upright canopies naturally with strong central leader dominance and highly branched canopies are preferred for superintensive growing systems with or without use of mechanical hedging.

Genome-Wide Association Study and Genomic Selection for Plant Growth Habit in Peanuts Using the USDA Public Data

Genome-Wide Association Study and Genomic Selection for Plant Growth Habit in Peanuts Using the USDA Public Data

Registration of R16‐45 as a flood‐tolerant, high‐yielding soybean germplasm line

AbstractR16‐45 (Reg. no. GP‐526, PI 704118) is a high‐yielding soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] breeding line with flood tolerance at early reproductive stages released as germplasm by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2023. It is an F2 selection from the cross between the flood‐tolerant breeding line R07‐6669 and the high‐yielding Arkansas cultivar ‘UA 5612’. R16‐45 is a conventional (non‐genetically modified) soybean with a relative maturity of 5.6. Plants have determinate growth habit, white flower color, and buff hilum color. It has gray pubescence, tan pod wall at maturity, and yellow cotyledons with a dull yellow seed coat. R16‐45 showed high yield potential and broad adaptability across 17 environments in Arkansas and other southern states, with an average of 4145 kg ha−1 (95.3% of the checks’ mean). Six years of field evaluations for flooding tolerance showed that R16‐45 is consistently tolerant to 8‐to‐10‐day flooding stress at the R1/R2 growth stages (average flood damage score of 3.6, compared with 6.0 from the reference checks). In addition, R16‐45 is resistant to stem canker. Given substantial yield losses associated with flooding stress and stem canker, R16‐45 is a valuable germplasm source for public and private soybean breeding programs attempting to incorporate novel genetic diversity into their breeding pipeline.