High Seed Protein Content Research Articles

First report of Cladosporium tenuissimum causing leaf spot of Arachis hypogaea in China.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), one of the most important oilseed crops in tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Kumar and Kirti 2011), is widely cultivated for its high protein and oil content in seeds. In August 2019, about 30% of A. hypogaea plants were found infected by leaf spot in the peanut-growing regions of Shandong Province, China. Disease symptoms appeared as the irregular and brown necrotic lesions on leaves that were 0.5 to 5.0 mm in diam. Twenty symptomatic plants were randomly sampled from peanut planting areas in Weihai and Yantai City. Small pieces (3 mm2) were cut from lesions, dipped in a 0.5% NaClO for 10 min, rinsed three times with sterilized distilled water, dried, placed onto potato-dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated in the dark at 25°C for 10 days. Three typical Cladosporium-like strains were isolated from diseased leaves of peanut. The colonies were grey to olivaceous green, reverse olivaceous black and woolly. The conidiophores were solitary, macronematous, unbranched or branched, straight or flexuous, cylindrical, slightly swollen at the apex, smooth. Conidiogenous cells were integrated, terminal and intercalary, with numerous loci on nodulose swelling. Ramoconidia were cylindrical, oblong, fusiform, 8.0 to 19.5×2.0 to 4.5 µm, aseptate or 1 septum, pale brown. Conidia were catenate, in densely branched chains, ellipsoid, ovoid, limoniform, aseptate, 4.0 to 11.5×2.5 to 5.5 µm, smooth, with conspicuous hila. The conidia easily break off from the chains. The morphological characteristics of these isolates matched the descriptions of Cladosporium tenuissimum (Bensch et al. 2010). For the molecular identification, the partial actin (act) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) genes were amplified and sequenced using the respective primers ACT-512F/ACT-783R and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999). The representative sequences, deposited in GenBank (act: OL332701, OL332702 and OL332703; tef1: OL322090, OL322091 and OL322092), exhibited 99.6% and 100% identical to C. tenuissimum ex-type isolate CBS 125995 (HM148687 and HM148442). Phylogenetic analysis was done by Neighbor-Joining (NJ) analysis based on act+tef1 sequences. These three isolates were identified as C. tenuissimum by morphological and molecular characteristics. Pathogenicity of each C. tenuissimum isolate was tested on peanut in the greenhouse at 28°C with 75% relative humidity. Twenty plants of A. hypogaea were inoculated with the conidial suspension (1.0 × 105 conidia/ml) on the leaf surface. Ten plants were mock inoculated with sterile water as controls. Within 2 weeks, inoculated plants exhibited dark necrotic lesions on leaves which were similar to the symptoms observed in the field, while the mock inoculated plants remained symptomless. The fungal pathogen which was reisolated from inoculated rather than mock inoculated leaf tissues was identical to the original pathogen on the basis of morphological and molecular analysis, confirming Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot caused by C. tenuissimum on peanut in China. The C. tenuissimum infection poses a serious threat by reducing the yield and quality of peanut in Shandong Province. This research is especially valuable to enhance epidemiological studies and implement effective control strategies.

Seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense in the U.S. soybean systems

Symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation (SNF) is critical to satisfying the nutritional need of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and maintaining productivity and high seed protein concentration. Due to its low environmental impact, a key factor for increasing the sustainability of soybean systems is to enhance SNF. Seed inoculation with the free-living Azospirillum brasilense alone or with Bradyrhizobium japonicum (herein called co-inoculation) are plausible strategies that have been explored in tropical environments but lack information in temperate regions. Following this rationale, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of seed inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense (herein called Azospirillum) alone or combined with Bradyrhizobium japonicum (herein called Bradyrhizobium) in a range of environments in the United States (US) for: (i) seed yield, (ii) relative abundance of ureides (RAU) as a proxy of SNF, and (iii) seed protein concentration. Twenty-five field studies across the US states with the same experimental design were performed during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The primary outcomes of this research were: (i) yield responses to co-inoculation were considered significant in only 2 out of 25 site-years, (ii) RAU was not increased by Azospirillum inoculation or co-inoculation, and lastly, (iii) seed protein concentration was marginally associated with the inoculation strategies. Although Azospirillum did not impose remarkable gain in any observed plant traits, future studies should focus on mechanistically understanding whether Azospirillum can naturalize in temperate region soils. Still, strategies for enhancing SNF are required for sustainably improving productivity and quality for US soybean systems.

Transcriptional Regulation of Quinoa Seed Quality: Identification of Novel Candidate Genetic Markers for Increased Protein Content.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a crop that has great potential for increased cultivation in diverse climate regions. The seed protein quality obtained from this crop is high concerning the requirements to meet human nutritional needs, but the seed protein content is relatively low if compared to crops such as grain legumes. Increased seed protein content is desirable for increasing the economic viability of this crop in order for it to be used as a protein crop. In this study, we characterized three genotypes of quinoa with different levels of seed protein content. By performing RNA sequencing of developing seeds, we determined the genotype differences in gene expression and identified genetic polymorphisms that could be associated with increased protein content. Storage nutrient analyses of seeds of three quinoa genotypes (Titicaca, Pasankalla, and Regalona) from different ecoregions grown under controlled climate conditions showed that Pasankalla had the highest protein content (20%) and the lowest starch content (46%). Our seed transcriptome analyses revealed highly differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in Pasankalla as compared to the other genotypes. These DETs encoded functions in sugar transport, starch and protein synthesis, genes regulating embryo size, and seed transcription factors. We selected 60 genes that encode functions in the central carbon metabolism and transcription factors as potential targets for the development of high-precision markers. Genetic polymorphisms, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and base insertions and deletions (InDels), were found in 19 of the 60 selected genes, which can be further evaluated for the development of genetic markers for high seed protein content in quinoa. Increased cultivation of quinoa can contribute to a more diversified agriculture and support the plant protein diet shift. The identification of quinoa genotypes with contrasting seed quality can help establish a model system that can be used for the identification of precise breeding targets to improve the seed quality of quinoa. The data presented in this study based on nutrient and transcriptome analyses contribute to an enhanced understanding of the genetic regulation of seed quality traits in quinoa and suggest high-precision candidate markers for such traits.

Instrumental characteristics and acid blue 193 dye sorption properties of novel lupine seed powder

Due to their high seed protein content (36 to 42% of the dry weight), lupine seed serve as a valuable nutritional source for low-income populations. Unfortunately, the high protein content which makes them highly desirable also turns them into food allergens, thus justifying its alternative application as an adsorbent. Therefore, this study explored the potential of lupine seed powder (L-SP) as a novel, efficient and low-cost adsorbent for the uptake of acid blue 193 dye. The adsorption process was evaluated via batch mode, under the influence of several process variables (such as initial dye concentration, 10–100 mg/L; temperature, 30 – 70 °C; adsorbent dosage, 0.2 – 3.0 g/L; solution pH, pH 2.0 – 10.0 and contact time, 1 – 180 min). The structural and morphological characteristics of the l-SP adsorbent, as well as its elemental composition, was elucidated from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) analyses. A maximum adsorption capacity of 144.56 mg/g was obtained at 25 °C. The thermodynamic investigation suggests a prevailing endothermic process, thus adsorption is enhanced at an increased degree of freedom between the adsorbent and adsorbate solution interface.

Varietal and environmental effects on the production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds for the food industry by confrontation of agricultural and nutritional traits with resistance against Bruchus spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Bruchinae)

Faba bean is a globally produced agricultural crop due to the high protein content in seeds. However, yields strongly vary depending on biotic and abiotic factors. Here, we evaluated the combined effect of faba bean varieties and climate on crop productivity, seed quality and Bruchus spp. infestation to identify most promising faba bean varieties for use in the food industry as local protein source. Varietal and year related factors were studied during two cropping years to explain variation of field yield, seed protein/ash/lipid content, protein production, and infestation rates. Fourteen varieties including nine winter varieties and five spring varieties were compared, from which one variety presented stable and promising yield, seed composition and low infestation rates. Annual effects significantly impacted field yield and protein production in contrast with the varietal effect that significantly impacted seeds protein content and infestation rates. Principal components analysis showed that infestation rate and yield were not correlated; thus, these two parameters could be optimized independently. The spring variety Fanfare exhibited the best and most stable results over the two study periods. Winter varieties had higher yields, whereas spring varieties had higher seed protein content. The main parameters impacting bruchid infestations were variety, indicating the need to select certain varieties that reduce the impact of pests on seed quality. During 2020, a drought during growing season significantly impacted faba bean production, demonstrating the importance of developing drought-resistant varieties. Thus, fourteen faba bean varieties were characterized considering together key parameters for food uses, and were ranked to identify most interesting ones. We also highlighted most impacting parameters that should be taken into account for the future improvement of varietal resilience in European countries.

TECHNOLOGY AND AGROECOLOGICAL STABILITY OF RAPID VARIETIES OF SOYBEAN

According to the duration of the growing season, early maturing and ultra early maturing varieties of soybeans develop within 83-85 days. As of 2021, 17 early-maturing and ultra-early-maturing soybean varieties were entered into the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine. Most of these varieties have a growing season of 85 days, and only the Diona varieties have 83 days and Arnika - 84 days. The height of plants of early maturing soybean varieties varies widely - 58-110 cm. The highest are Arrata plants - 110 cm, Rogiznyanka and Rozhdestvenskaya - 81 cm each, OAC Avatar and Diona - 80 cm each. Height of attachment of the lower beans in early maturing soybean varieties is 10-16 cm from the soil surface. Above, the lower beans are attached in soybean varieties OAC Brook - 16 cm, Rogiznyanka - 15 cm, Kobza and OAC Avatar - 14 cm each. The highest resistance to lodging, which determines the completeness of mowing and selection of the soybean stem mass, had plants of the varieties Aventurin, OAC Lakeview, Geba and Berkana - 9.0 points each, OAC Avatar Rogiznyanka - 8.9 points each. All early ripening varieties of soybeans are highly resistant to seed shedding - 7.0-9.0 points. The most drought-resistant varieties are OAC Lakeview, Geba, Berkana - 9.0 points each. Soybean varieties Aventurine, Kobza, Diona, Arrata, Rogiznyanka, Arnika are resistant to diseases - 9.0 points each. The seed yield of early maturing soybean varieties is 2.00-3.25 t/ha. The highest yields were noted for the Diona varieties - 3.25 t/ha, Arrata - 3.0 t/ha. The least productive varieties are Rogiznyanka - 2.00 t/ha, OAC Brook - 2.03 t/ha, Kobza - 2.14 t/ha. Soybean varieties had a high protein content in seeds: Berkana - 43.4%, Raduga - 42.3%, Dove and Melody - 42.1% each. The lowest protein content was in the varieties Arrata - 38.0%, Legend, Diona - 38.5% each, Kobza - 39.1%. The fat content in the seeds of soybean varieties Heba - 22.0%, OAC Lakeview - 21.7% and Golubka - 21.6% was the highest, and in Krasavitsa varieties - 19.3%, Arnika - 20.5% and Melodiya - 20.6% - the smallest.

The models of soybean varieties adapted to dry conditions

The article presents the analysis of early-ripening and mid-ripening promising and cultivated soybean varieties that received a comprehensive evaluation under irrigation conditions over the past period (2016-2018) of breeding with the increase in atmospheric drought and dry hot wind days to 77 with a long-term average annual indicator of 47 days with a relative humidity of less than 30%. We developed the scientifically based model of highly productive soybean varieties (2021-2023) with a yield of 2.8-3.8 t/ha and the growth season of 105-122 days. The model is based on the established correlations of the main morphological and biological characteristics with the grain productivity of irrigated sowing. The model of soybean varieties reflects characteristics that ensure the responsiveness of plants to watering and resistance to prolonged manifestations of atmospheric drought: a long growth season, low linear plant growth, significant leaf surface area, photosynthetic potential, dry biomass yield, number of plants before harvesting, thousand-seed weight, long-term duration of the “flowering-beans filling” period. The model is complemented by the indicators of high protein and fat content in seeds, as well as their yield from a unit of harvesting area.

Comparative evaluation of antioxidant characteristics and selenium levels in seeds of Cichorium intybus L. and several representatives of Apiaceae plants

Relevance. Evaluation of nutritional value of seeds of agricultural crops is considered to be highly significant for revealing new sources of antioxidants for humans.Material. The aim of the present investigation was antioxidant status and selenium accumulation levels by chicory seeds (13 cultivars) and comparison of the results with antioxidants status of seeds of other root vegetables: celery (5 cultivars), parsley (2 cultivars), parsnip (3 cultivars) and carrot (7 cultivars).Results. Among agricultural crops studied chicory was characterized by 3-4 higher levels of selenium accumulation by seeds and relatively low total antioxidant activity and polyphenol content. Anomalously high protein content in chicory seeds may explain the efficiency of selenium accumulation while relatively low antioxidant activity may be connected with lower levels of essential oil. Direct correlations between polyphenol content and total antioxidant activity were demonstrated for carrot (r=+0.924; P<0.01) and chicory (r= 0.803; P<0.01) seeds.

Towards buckwheat breeding on high protein content with use of embryo-endosperm ratio in seeds

Buckwheat breeding on high protein content in seeds was not previously carried out due to the lack of clear selection criteria. Based on the study of the protein content in various organs of buckwheat seed, we proposed a method for selecting a high protein content based on the ratio of the embryo and endosperm in the seed. It was found that the embryo contained 8.3 times more protein than the endosperm (49.9 % and 6.0 %, respectively). At the same time, the contribution of the embryo to the total protein content in the seed is 74 %. The use of correlation analysis shows an independent change in the mass of the embryo and endosperm, which facilitates the use of the “high proportion of the embryo in the seed” trait in the selection process. 9 varieties of buckwheat were studied by embryo mass, endosperm and embryo share in the seed. The most suitable varieties for use in breeding for high protein content are buckwheat Batyr and Bogatyr, which are characterized by low endosperm content and a high proportion of the embryo in the seed. To increase the variation in the content of the embryo and endosperm, it is proposed to use a hybrid material and search for mutations that affect the ratio of the embryo and endosperm in the seed. The basics of the method of growing buckwheat from isolated embryos in soil culture and selecting plants by the mass of viable embryos in the seed are developed.

Soybean Cultivar ‘Hipro’ for Tofu and Soymilk with High Seed Protein Content and Pod Shattering Resistance

Soybean Cultivar ‘Hipro’ for Tofu and Soymilk with High Seed Protein Content and Pod Shattering Resistance

ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНЕ ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ЯКОСТІ НАСІННЯ СОЇ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД СОРТУ

The biochemical component (protein content and fat content) of soybean seed, yield and fat and protein yield significantly depends on weather conditions and variety. It was found that the protein content in soybean seed, on average over two years of research on new varieties can vary from 36.1 to 44.4 %. Khana, Lenka and Alaska varieties have the highest protein content in soybean seed – 43.4–44.4 %. Protein content significantly depends on the weather conditions of the study year. Thus, soybean varieties of Kofu, Siberia, Volta, Asuka, Arisa, Khana, Lenka and Alaska, grown in 2020, have this figure 10–19 % higher than in 2019. In the seeds of Nordica, Carra, Kyoto, Ezra, Amadeus and Taurus soybean varieties, the protein content is 4–10 % lower. On average, over two years of research, the fat content in soybean seeds varies from 18.9 to 21.7 % depending on the variety. Only three out of 14 soybean varieties have the fat content ≤ 20.0 % – Khana, Alaska, Arisa. In seeds of other varieties, this figure is ≥ 20 %. Weather conditions reduce the fat content in the seeds by 7–20 % depending on the variety. Studies have shown that soybean seed yields vary significantly depending on the soybean variety. Thus, on average over two years of research, this figure varies from 1.30 t/ha in Amadeus variety to 1.88 t/ha in Siberia one. The highest yields (≥ 1.70 t/ha) were formed by Arisa, Volta and Siberia varieties. However, this figure varies greatly depending on the weather conditions of the study year. Thus, in a more favourable 2019, the yield is from 1.65 to 2.41 t/ ha, depending on the soybean variety. Moisture deficiency and small reserves of moisture in the deeper layers of the soil reduce seed yield from 0.95 to 1.35 t/ha or by 1.7–3.7 times, depending on the soybean variety. Two soybean varieties (Arisa, Siberia) have the highest protein yield at the level of 706–721 kg/ha. The highest fat yield was obtained by Siberia growing – 415 kg/ha. Under the conditions of the Right Bank forest-steppe, for stable formation of high protein yield in different weather conditions, it is necessary to grow Arisa soybean variety which has high protein content and high seed yield, and Alaska variety which has high protein content in seeds. In addition, in the best hydration years it is able to form a high fat yield. Volta, Asuka, Khana and Lenka varieties should be grown in years with sufficient moisture, as they provide the highest protein yield. These varieties should also be grown to obtain a high fat yield under the best moisture conditions. Siberia soybean should be used to produce fat in different weather conditions

Genetic and comparative mapping of Lupinus luteus L. highlight syntenic regions with major orthologous genes controlling anthracnose resistance and flowering time

Anthracnose susceptibility and ill-adapted flowering time severely affect Lupinus luteus yield, which has high seed protein content, is excellent for sustainable agriculture, but requires genetic improvement to fulfil its potential. This study aimed to (1) develop a genetic map; (2) define collinearity and regions of synteny with Lupinus angustifolius; and (3) map QTLs/candidate genes for anthracnose resistant and flowering time. A few linkage groups/genomic regions tended to be associated with segregation distortion, but did not affect the map. The developed map showed collinearity, and syntenic regions with L. angustifolius. Major QTLs were mapped in syntenic regions. Alleles from the wild parent and cultivar, explained 75% of the phenotypic variance for anthracnose resistance and 83% for early flowering, respectively. Marker sequences flanking the QTLs showed high homology with the Lanr1 gene and Flowering-locus-T of L. angustifolius. This suggests orthologous genes for both traits in the L. luteus genome. The findings are remarkable, revealing the potential to combine early flowering/anthracnose resistant in fulfilling yield capacity in L. luteus, and can be a major strategy in the genetic improvement and usage of this species for sustainable protein production. Allele sequences and PCR-marker tagging of these genes are being applied in marker assisted selection.

Genetic stability and genotype × environment interaction analysis for seed protein content and protein yield of lentil

AbstractLentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seeds are an excellent source of staple dietary protein that can be a viable plant‐based alternative protein source to food processing industries. Understanding of the basis of genotype × environment (G × E) interaction is fundamental knowledge for plant breeding. We explored genetic stability and G × E for seed protein content and protein yield for 34 lentil genotypes using AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) and SREG (site regression) models. Genotypes were evaluated under field conditions in five locations at western Canada during 2017–2018. Protein content and protein yield were 21.6–26.9% of seed dry weight and 156.8–1113.0 kg ha−1, respectively, across 10 environments. Environment and G × E had fewer effects on protein content than protein yield. Higher seed protein content was observed in the extra‐small red market class. Based on both models, genotypes IBC 1235, 3923‐9, 3674‐17, IBC 929R, and 4371‐4 with stable protein productivity would be useful genetic resources for the development of protein‐rich varieties in lentil breeding programs. Our results suggest genetic improvement of protein and protein yield together is possible for lentil.

Increased nitrogen fixation and remobilization may increase seed protein without a yield penalty in a soybean introgression line

ABSTRACT Development of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] varieties with high seed protein concentration are hindered by a negative correlation between seed protein and yield. “Benning HP,” a genotype that breaks this tradeoff, contains an introgressed high-protein allele. Field and growth chamber experiments were conducted to identify N flux(es) that enable Benning HP’s increased seed protein without a yield penalty. When the N source was completely controlled, Benning HP could fix more N than its recurrent parent, but this depended on the rhizobium strain and plant developmental stage. In the field, Benning HP remobilized N from its leaves at a higher rate than its recurrent parent during seed fill in only one of the years studied. These results demonstrate that Benning HP has higher potential N fixation and N remobilization from vegetative tissue compared to its lower protein parent, but the expression of those traits may depend on environment and sink control.

Integrated Approach of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Management on Nutrient Composition and Uptake of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Udic Rhodustalf Soil

Background: Pulses are important food crops that can play a major role in achieving food security, nutrition, and human health, contributing to the sustainability of agriculture and aiding the mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The nutrient uptake is directly or indirectly affected by many factors like total concentration as well as available quantity of different nutrients, root development, aeration, water potential, climatic conditions and other related soil parameters.
 Aims: A field experiment was carried out to find out the effects of different manures along with inorganic fertilizers on nutritional status of two mungbean varieties.
 Study Design: Experimental treatments consisted of eight combinations of each manure and inorganic fertilizers with Soil Test Base (STB).
 Results: The results showed that integrated effects were found significant on Ca, Zn and Mn contents in seed and P, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn contents in stover. The highest N (4.34%), Mg (0.48%), P (0.56%) contents in seed and N (1.52%), Mg (0.78%) and B (30.67 µg g-1) contents in stover was obtained by the application of 3 t ha-1 poultry manure + 70% STB. The highest seed protein content was found from the same treatment. On the other hand, the highest Zn, Mn, Cu and S contents in seeds, and Zn, Fe and K contents in stover were obtained from 3 t ha-1 vermicompost + 70% STB. The treatment of 3 t ha-1 poultry manure + 70% STB produced the highest uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu in seeds and the highest uptake of Mg, Fe and B was found with stover. The nutrient contents of seeds were positively and significantly correlated with each other. In Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the first two principal components accounted for approximately 81.80% of the total variability. BARI Mung-6 appeared as the best variety and poultry manure @ 3 t ha-1 along with 70% inorganic fertilizers treatment for the better nutritional quality of Mungbean.
 Conclusion: It was observed that different treatments performed differently in respect of nutrients contents and uptake of seed and stover, and protein contents. From the above experimental findings, it is concluded that BARI Mung-6 appeared as the best variety and poultry manure @ 3 t ha-1 along with 70% IF should be applied for getting better nutritional mungbean seed with higher protein contents under the agroclimatic condition of BARI.

Genome Assembly and Annotation of Soft-Shelled Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi Variety ma-yuen), a Cereal and Medicinal Crop in the Poaceae Family.

Coix lacryma-jobi, also called adlay or Job’s tears, is an annual herbal plant belonging to the Poaceae family that has been cultivated as a cereal and medicinal crop in Asia. Despite its importance, however, genomic resources for better understanding this plant species at the molecular level and informing improved breeding strategies remain limited. To address this, we generated a draft genome of the C. lacryma-jobi variety ma-yuen (soft-shelled adlay) Korean cultivar, Johyun, by de novo assembly, using PacBio and Illumina sequencing data. A total of 3,362 scaffold sequences, 1.28 Gb in length, were assembled, representing 82.1% of the estimated genome size (1.56 Gb). Genome completeness was confirmed by the presence of 91.4% of the BUSCO angiosperm genes and mapping ratio of 98.3% of Illumina paired-end reads. We found that approximately 77.0% of the genome is occupied by repeat sequences, most of which are Gypsy and Copia-type retrotransposons, and evidence-based genome annotation predicts 39,574 protein-coding genes, 85.5% of which were functionally annotated. We further predict that soft-shelled adlay diverged from a common ancestor with sorghum 9.0–11.2 MYA. Transcriptome profiling revealed 3,988 genes that are differentially expressed in seeds relative to other tissues, of which 1,470 genes were strongly up-regulated in seeds and the most enriched Gene Ontology terms were assigned to carbohydrate and protein metabolism. In addition, we identified 76 storage protein genes including 18 seed-specific coixin genes and 13 candidate genes involved in biosynthesis of benzoxazinoids (BXs) including coixol, a unique BX compound found in C. lacryma-jobi species. The characterization of those genes can further our understanding of unique traits of soft-shelled adlay, such as high seed protein content and medicinal compound biosynthesis. Taken together, our genome sequence data will provide a valuable resource for molecular breeding and pharmacological study of this plant species.

Structure of seed productivity of antocians containing broad beans and features of mycoflora soil under them

Relevance. A comprehensive study of broad beans, including seed productivity and soil mycocomplexes of their anthocyanin-containing varieties, is relevant, given the need to increase the growth of crop productivity and the special contribution of micromycetes to soil phytomelioration, which is an important link in organic farming. Methods. In small-scale experiments in the city of Belgorod, varieties of beans with anthocyanins in the seed coat were studied (Bobchinsky, Karmazin, Pink Flamingo, Russian Blacks, Tsarsky Harvest, Bel-1). The selection of soil fungi was carried out by the method of soil dilutions of Waxmann, followed by deep sowing in solid nutrient media. To assess the similarity of the complexes of soil micromycetes under varieties of beans, a similarity coefficient was used. Results. Field trials of varieties of beans Vicia faba L. (Bel-1, Bobchinsky, Karmazin, Pink flamingo, Russian black, Imperial crop) containing anthocyanins in seed coatings showed that the highest yield of seeds is characteristic of the Bel-1 hybrid (65 g from a plant) and varieties Pink Flamingo (64 g), Royal Harvest (64 g). All varieties studied were characterized by a high protein content in seeds (25-31%). The main contribution to the seed productivity of these varieties of beans was made by lateral shoots (r = +0.91). Varieties of beans Bobchinsky and Tsarist Harvest can be recommended as reducing the proportion of opportunistic, allergenic and toxigenic microscopic fungi in the soil. The plants of the variety specimens Karmazin and Bel-1 were characterized by a minimal (0-9%) loss of productivity from common mycoses - alternariosis and fusariosis.

Registration of soybean germplasm R11‐7999 with high seed protein content and high yield

AbstractThe conventional (non‐genetically modified) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm line R11‐7999 (Reg. no. GP‐436, PI 691646) was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2018 because of its high seed protein content and high yield potential. R11‐7999 is an F4 selection from the cross between the Tennessee cultivar ‘5002T’ and the Arkansas advanced breeding line R00‐2097. Trial testing results of over 30 environments in Arkansas and other southern states shows that R11‐7999 is well adapted and exhibits high yield performance. R11‐7999 has a relative maturity of 5.7, determinate growth habit, purple flowers, tawny pubescence, and a tan pod wall at maturity. Seed of R11‐7999 has yellow cotyledons with dull yellow seed coat and brown and black hilum. It is resistant to stem canker and moderately resistant to frogeye leaf spot. R11‐7999 has a seed protein content of 439 g kg−1 (dry weight), which combined with the seed oil (202 g kg−1) content produces 50.7% protein in the meal fraction. The high yield and high protein content of R11‐7999 will make it a valuable cultivar for animal feed and protein isolate.

Genetic Analysis of High Protein Content in \u2018AC Proteus\u2019 Related Soybean Populations Using SSR, SNP, DArT and DArTseq Markers

Key message: Several AC Proteus derived genomic regions (QTLs, SNPs) have been identified which may prove useful for further development of high yielding high protein cultivars and allele-specific marker developments. High seed protein content is a trait which is typically difficult to introgress into soybean without an accompanying reduction in seed yield. In a previous study, ‘AC Proteus’ was used as a high protein source and was found to produce populations that did not exhibit the typical association between high protein and low yield. Five high x low protein RIL populations and a high x high protein RIL population were evaluated by either quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis or bulk segregant analyses (BSA) following phenotyping in the field. QTL analysis in one population using SSR, DArT and DArTseq markers found two QTLs for seed protein content on chromosomes 15 and 20. The BSA analyses suggested multiple genomic regions are involved with high protein content across the five populations, including the two previously mentioned QTLs. In an alternative approach to identify high protein genes, pedigree analysis identified SNPs for which the allele associated with high protein was retained in seven high protein descendants of AC Proteus on chromosomes 2, 17 and 18. Aside from the two identified QTLs (five genomic regions in total considering the two with highly elevated test statistic, but below the statistical threshold and the one with epistatic interactions) which were some distance from Meta-QTL regions and which were also supported by our BSA analysis within five populations. These high protein regions may prove useful for further development of high yielding high protein cultivars.

SOURCES OF HIGH PROTEIN CONTENT IN COMMON BEAN SEEDS (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) FROM THE VIR COLLECTION

Background. An important trend in modern breeding of common beans is to improve the quality of grain. High protein content in seeds is one of the most important indicators of the nutritional value of beans. Searching for high-protein accessions, identifying sources of high protein content, and using them in the breeding process, while developing new cultivars, still remain relevant. The aims of our research included the identification of variability patterns for protein content in accessions of different origin, characterization of cultivars, and description of their morphological and economic traits.Materials and methods. Presented here are the results of biochemical screening of 166 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) accessions of various ecogeographic origin, added to the VIR collection in 2005–2016. Field study of economically valuable traits was carried out according to VIR’s techniques. The protein content in seeds was measured in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department at VIR using Kjeldahl method. Mathematical data processing (correlation analysis and single-factor analysis of variance) was performed using Statistica 7.0 software (StatSoft, Inc., USA).Results and conclusions. As a result of the assessment, 12 sources of high protein content in seeds (> 28% annually) were identified and described. The average value of the trait differed depending on the country of origin, genotype and year of study. The correlation analysis failed to find general regularities (strong stable interrelations) between the protein content in seeds and morphological, economically valuable traits. The values of correlation coefficients were unstable over the years of study. Weak links between the protein content and the genotype (r = 0.25) or the year of reproduction (r = 0.24) were identified. Significant relationships between protein content, morphological and economically valuable traits were not found. Seed protein content, according to the results of the single-factor analysis of variance, largely depended on the genetic properties of plants (effect size is 70.1%), and, to a smaller extent, on the year of reproduction (14.5%) and origin (17.5%).