Soybean Research Articles

Rhizosphere microbial carbon utilization stimulates soil phosphorus fraction transformation in response to maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max.) interspecific interactions

Rhizosphere microbial carbon utilization stimulates soil phosphorus fraction transformation in response to maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max.) interspecific interactions

Differential transcriptome reprogramming induced by the soybean cyst nematode Type 0 and Type 1.2.5.7 during resistant and susceptible interactions.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is a serious root parasite of soybean (Glycine max) that induces extensive gene expression changes associated with pleiotropic biological activities in infected cells. However, the impacts of various SCN Hg Types on host transcriptome reprogramming remain largely unknown. Here, we developed and used two recombinant inbred lines (RIL-72 and RIL-137) to profile transcriptome reprogramming in the infection sites during the resistant and susceptible interactions with SCN Hg Type 1.2.5.7 and Type 0. SCN bioassays indicated that RIL-72 was susceptible to Type 1.2.5.7 but resistant to Type 0, whereas RIL-137 was resistant to both types. Comparative analysis of gene expression changes induced by Type 1.2.5.7 in the resistant and susceptible lines revealed distinct transcriptome regulation with a number of similarly and oppositely regulated genes. The expression levels of similarly regulated genes in the susceptible line appeared to be insufficient to mount an effective defense against SCN. The functional importance of oppositely regulated genes was confirmed using virus induced gene silencing and overexpression approaches. Further transcriptome comparisons revealed shared as well as Hg Type- and genotype-specific transcriptome reprogramming. Shared transcriptome responses were mediated through common SCN-responsive genes and conserved immune signaling, whereas genotype-specific responses were derived from genetic variability, metabolic and hormonal differences, and varied regulation of protein phosphorylation and ubiquitination. The conserved defense mechanisms together with genotype-specific responses would enable plants to trigger effective and tailored immune responses to various Hg types and adapt the defense response to their genetic backgrounds.

Assessment of genetic diversity by phenological traits, field performance, and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) polymorphism marker of seventeen soybean genotypes (Glycine max L.)

The Egyptian-farmed soybeans have a wide range of genetic diversity which is most important in plant improvement programs in order to develop new higher yielding soybean genotypes. The present study is designed to determine the genetic variability among seventeen genotypes of cultivated soybean (Glycine max L.) by examining the phenotypic level at the seedling stage, field performance over two years 2022/2023 and genetically using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers. Results indicated that the SCoT markers, 100 seed weight, and tip angle (TA) traits were positively correlated with H2L12, DR 101, H15L5, and H117 genotypes. In addition, the number of branches per plant and plant height were associated with H113, H32, Crowford, H129, and D7512035. Furthermore, the length of the first internode (LFI), root width (RW), root length (RL), and shoot length (SL) were more associated with Giza 111, NC105, and Hutcheson. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and its associated heatmap explored the differences among the genotypes. It showed that all examined parameters were clustered into four distinct clusters. The obtained results showed that genotypes NC105, H30, D75_12035, and H2L12 have promising phenological and morphological traits besides tracking the inheritance of nearby genes surrounding the ATG translation start codon since they are in a monoclades. The obtained results will help the breeder plan appropriate selection strategies for improving seed yield in soybeans through hybridization from divergent clusters.

First report of soybean mosaic virus on soybean (Glycine max L.) in Uzbekistan

First report of soybean mosaic virus on soybean (Glycine max L.) in Uzbekistan

Morphological Assessment of Drought Stress Tolerant Soybean Genotypes in Bangladesh

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is the most important commercial grain legume and oil seed crop which represents the most important plant source of vegetable oil and protein in the world. The water stress tolerance of the fifty soybean genotypes was evaluated in a glasshouse at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA). The study was carried out to identify the drought tolerant soybean genotype(s) for improving yield under rainfed conditions in Bangladesh. Drought stress was induced by withholding water completely from 21 days after emergence. The water stress was continued until wilting symptom persisted on plant overnight. Water stress caused an overall reduction in some morphological and yield contributing characters such as plant hight, number of branches plant-1, internode length, pod plant-1, seeds pod-1, hundred (100) seeds weight and finally the seed yield of soybean. The studied genotypes were categorized into four groups based on their yield reduction under drought stress conditions. Five genotypes YESOY-4, PK-416, Shohag, SBM-09 and Binasoybean-6 were categorized as tolerant (<35% yield reduction), fourteen genotypes were categorized as moderately tolerant (35%-60% yield reduction), twenty five genotypes were categorized as moderately susceptible (61%-80% yield reduction) and rest six genotypes were categorized as susceptible (>80% yield reduction). These five genotypes YESOY-4, PK-416, Shohag, SBM-09 and Binasoybean-6 study further for developing drought tolerant soybean verities which may be helpful for quality oil seed production.

Alleviative effect of iron chlorin e6 on isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat

Abstract Isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a worry for many farmers in chemical control of weeds in wheat fields, especially in subzero weather conditions. Iron chlorin e6 (ICe6), a new plant growth regulator, has been reported to enhance crop stress resistance to alleviate damage caused by stress; however, it is not clear whether ICe6 has an alleviative effect on isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat. We determined the alleviative effect of ICe6 on isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat, and 0.018 g ai ha−1 was the optimal dose. Meanwhile, we also studied the photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters, oxidative stress indicators, and antioxidant enzyme activity of wheat treated with the three different treatments. We found that the photosynthetic pigment content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthesis of wheat damaged by isoproturon were significantly lower than those of the control, and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased. These results indicate that isoproturon stress significantly weakened the photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity of wheat. The photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthetic parameters (excluding intercellular CO2 concentration), and antioxidant enzyme activity of isoproturon+ICe6– treated wheat were significantly higher than those of isoproturon-treated wheat. The H2O2 and MDA content was significantly lower than that of isoproturon-treated wheat. These results indicate that ICe6 treatment maintained the photosynthetic pigment content of wheat and relatively improved photosynthetic capacity, allowing photosynthesis to proceed normally. ICe6 treatment also limits the decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity, effectively clearing excess reactive oxygen species and ultimately alleviating membrane lipid peroxidation damage. In summary, ICe6 not only enhances stress resistance and increases yield in crops such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and canola (Brassica napus L.), but also has an alleviating effect on the isoproturon phytotoxicity to wheat, which is manifested by the improvement of photosynthetic and antioxidant abilities, ultimately leading to an increase in wheat shoot height and shoot fresh weight.

Tillage and cover cropping influence phosphorus dynamics in soil and water pools

AbstractWinter cover crops (CCs) have the potential to reduce phosphorus (P) loss by temporarily fixing P into CC biomass. A field experiment with no‐tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) was used to study the ability of different CC species planted after corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) harvests to reduce the P availability in soil solution. The effect of three crop rotations (corn–no CC–soybean–no CC [C–S], corn–cereal rye (Secale cereale)–soybean–hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) [C–R–S–HV], corn–cereal rye–soybean–oats (Avena sativa)+ radish (Raphanus sativus L.) [C–R–S–OR]) and two tillage (NT and CT) treatments was determined on soil available P and soil solution P content through pan (A horizon) and tension (100‐cm depth) cup lysimeters. The experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design with tillage as a split factor with three replicates. Over the study period, incorporating hairy vetch in C–R–S–HV rotation reduced the Mehlich‐3 P content in soil by 26%–29% compared to the C–S and C–R–S–OR rotation. Both CC rotations (C–R–S–HV and C–R–S–OR) were effective in reducing dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentration in pan and tension cup lysimeters compared to the C–S in both CT and NT systems. However, these results varied with CC species grown and seasonal variability in precipitation. A significantly lower DRP load with crop rotation and tillage treatments was observed mainly during the CC growing season. During the study period, crop rotations with reduced labile soil P content and DRP loss were ranked in an order of C–R–S–HV > C–R–S–OR > C–S. Overall, this study showed that CCs have the potential in both CT and NT systems to significantly reduce P in soil and soil solution, and these effects are resilient to a wide range of precipitation conditions.

Effect of postemergence applications of aminocyclopyrachlor, aminopyralid, 2,4-D, and dicamba on non–auxin resistant soybean

Abstract Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] that lack resistance to auxin herbicides [i.e., not genetically modified for resistance] have well-documented responses to those particular herbicides, with yield loss being probable. When a soybean field is injured by auxin herbicides, regulatory authorities often collect a plant sample from that field. This research attempted to simulate soybean exposures due to accidental mixing of incorrect herbicides, tank contamination, or particle drift. This research examined whether analytical testing of herbicide residues on soybean to aminocyclopyrachlor (ACP), aminopyralid, 2,4-D, or dicamba would be related to the visual observations and yield responses from these herbicides. ACP and aminopyralid were applied to R1 soybean at 0.1, 1, and 10 g ae ha−1; 2,4-D and dicamba were applied at 1, 10, and 100 g ae ha−1. Visual evaluations and plant sample collections were undertaken at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 d after treatment (DAT), and yield was measured. The conservative limits of detection for the four herbicides in this project were 5, 10, 5, and 5 ng g−1 fresh weight of soybean for ACP, aminopyralid, 2,4-D, and dicamba, respectively. Many of the plant samples were non-detects, especially at lower application dosages. All herbicide concentrations rapidly declined soon after application, and many reached nondetectable limits by 14 DAT. All herbicide treatments caused soybean injury, although the response to 2,4-D was markedly lower than the responses to the other three herbicides. There was no apparent correlation between herbicide concentrations (which were declining over time) and the observed soybean injury (which was increasing over time or staying the same). This research indicated that plant samples should be collected as soon as possible after soybean exposure to auxin herbicides.

Impact of reduced rates of tiafenacil at vegetative growth stages on soybean growth and yield

Abstract Tiafenacil is a new non-selective protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicide with both grass and broadleaf activity labeled for preplant application to corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Early-season soybean emergence and growth often coincide in the U.S. Midsouth with preplant herbicide application in later-planted cotton and soybean, thereby increasing opportunity for off-target herbicide movement from adjacent fields. Field studies were conducted in 2022 to identify any deleterious impacts of reduced rates of tiafenacil (12.5% to 0.4% of the lowest labeled application rate of 24.64 g ai ha−1) applied to 1- to 2-leaf soybean. Visual injury at 1 wk after treatment (WAT) with 1/8×, 1/16×, 1/32×, and 1/64× rate of tiafenacil was 80%, 61%, 39%, and 21%, while at 4 WAT, these respective rates resulted in visual injury of 67%, 33%, 14%, and 4%. Tiafenacil at these respective rates reduced soybean height 55% to 2% and 53% to 5% at 1 and 4 WAT and soybean yield 53%, 24%, 5%, and 1%. Application of tiafenacil directly adjacent to soybean in early vegetative growth should be avoided, as severe visual injury will occur. In cases where off-target movement does occur, impacted soybean should not be expected to fully recover, and negative impact on growth and yield will be observed.

Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Crude Procyanidin Extract from Green Soybean Seed and the Stability of Bioactive Compounds in an Anti-Aging Skin Care Formulation

Green soybean (Glycine max L.) seed contains a high procyanidin content and high antioxidant activity. Moreover, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has proved to be advantageous in providing high extraction efficiency. Hence, this study aimed to extract procyanidins from green soybean seeds (GSSs) using UAE. This study also evaluated the inhibitory activities of tyrosinase and the cytotoxic effects of crude procyanidin extract. The extract exhibited maximum levels of bioactive components and antioxidant capacity when subjected to a temperature of 15 °C and an extraction time of 20 min. The crude procyanidin extract at a concentration of 10 mg/mL inhibited the tyrosinase enzyme by more than 60%, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value obtained for the extract was 6.85 ± 0.81 mg/mL. This result was much greater than the IC50 value obtained for kojic acid (0.089 ± 0.08 mg/mL), which was used as a positive control. For the cytotoxicity assessment, the results indicated that the crude procyanidin extract showed no cytotoxicity and actually stimulated the growth of human skin fibroblast cells. More than 80% of the bioactive compounds (total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), procyanidin content (PC)) and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP) of the crude extract powder were retained at 38.68 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g, 16.07 ± 0.01 mg CAE/g, 9.24 ± 0.01 mg PC/g, 359.8 ± 0.72 μM Trolox eq/g, and 1640 ± 2.86 μM Trolox eq/g, respectively, after 12 weeks of storage at 25 °C. The crude procyanidin extract powder was then included in a facial serum formulation and tested for pH value and physical evaluation. The stability of the crude procyanidin extract facial serum was shown to be greater for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity when stored at a temperature of 4 °C than when stored at a temperature of 25 °C. These results suggest that the GSS extracts obtained via ultrasonication show promise for use in cosmeceutical formulations for whitening skincare products.

Planting soybean green: how cereal rye biomass and preemergence herbicides impact Amaranthus spp. management and soybean yield

Abstract Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop and preemergence herbicides are important components of an integrated weed management program for waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) management in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Accumulating adequate cereal rye biomass for effective suppression of Amaranthus spp. can be challenging in the upper Midwest due to the short window for cereal rye growth in a corn–soybean rotation. Farmers are adopting the planting green system to optimize cereal rye biomass production and weed suppression. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of planting soybean green when integrated with preemergence herbicides for the control of Amaranthus spp. under two soybean planting time frames. The study was conducted across 19 site-years in the United States over the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. Factors included cover crop management practices (“no-till,” “cereal rye early-term,” and “cereal rye plant-green”), soybean planting times (“early” and “late”), and use of preemergence herbicides (“NO PRE” and “YES PRE”). Planting soybean green increased cereal rye biomass production by 33% compared with early termination. Greater cereal rye biomass production when planting green provided a 44% reduction in Amaranthus spp. density compared with no-till. The use of preemergence herbicides also resulted in a 68% reduction in Amaranthus spp. density compared with NO PRE. Greater cereal rye biomass produced when planting green reduced soybean stand, which directly reduced soybean yield in some site-years. Planting soybean green is a feasible management practice to optimize cereal rye biomass production, which, combined with preemergence herbicides, provided effective Amaranthus spp. management. Soybean stand was a key factor in maintaining soybean yields compared with no-till when planting green. Farmers should follow best management recommendations for proper planter and equipment setup to ensure effective soybean establishment under high levels of cereal rye biomass when planting green.

Molecular and genetic basis of plant architecture in soybean

Plant architecture determines canopy coverage, photosynthetic efficiency, and ultimately productivity in soybean (Glycine max). Optimizing plant architecture is a major goal of breeders to develop high yield soybean varieties. Over the past few decades, the yield per unit area of soybean has not changed significantly; however, rice and wheat breeders have succeeded in achieving high yields by generating semi‐dwarf varieties. Semi-dwarf crops have the potential to ensure yield stability in high-density planting environments because they can significantly improve responses to fertilizer input, lodging resistance, and enhance resistance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Soybean has a unique plant architecture, with leaves, inflorescences, and pods growing at each node; internode number greatly affects the final yield. Therefore, producing high-yielding soybean plants with an ideal architecture requires the coordination of effective node formation, effective internode formation, and branching. Dozens of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling plant architecture have been identified in soybean, but only a few genes that control this trait have been cloned and characterized. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the genetic basis of soybean plant architecture. We provide our views and perspectives on how to breed new high-yielding soybean varieties.

Management of Nutrients in Soybean (Glycine max) Crops: A Review

Effective nutrient management is crucial for maximizing soybean (Glycine max) yield, promoting sustainable farming methods, and satisfying worldwide food requirements. This paper analyses significant discoveries and optimal methods in nutrient management for soybean crops, with a focus on the cruciality of efficient techniques to optimize yield, quality, and environmental conservation. Soybeans have distinct nutritional needs during their many growth stages, with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients playing vital roles in plant growth, yield formation, and stress resistance. Optimal fertilization, determined through soil analysis and considering the specific requirements of the crops, is crucial for providing sufficient nutrients while minimizing negative environmental consequences such as nutrient runoff, leaching, and greenhouse gas emissions. Novel developments and advancements, such as precision agriculture, variable rate fertilization, and smart fertilizers, present inventive methods to enhance the efficiency of nutrient management procedures. These technological improvements allow for the precise distribution of nutrients to specific areas, using data to make informed decisions and improve the efficiency of resources. This ultimately leads to better crop performance and sustainability. In addition, efficient nutrient management enhances soil health, increases resistance to both living organisms and non-living environmental pressures and ensures economic sustainability for farmers. Soybean producers may achieve optimal yields, quality, and profitability while minimizing environmental hazards by implementing integrated nutrient management systems, including organic amendments, and closely monitoring crop nutrition. To summarise, this review emphasizes the significance of nutrient management in soybean production, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive strategies that take into account agronomic, environmental, and economic factors. Ongoing research, innovation, and information sharing are crucial for improving nutrient management strategies and guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of soybean cropping systems.

8648 Association of isoflavone intake and age at natural menopause

Abstract Disclosure: M. Mitsunami: None. E.R. Bertone-Johnson: None. A. Eliassen: None. J.E. Chavarro: None. Introduction: Isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogens found mainly in soy and legumes, are structurally similar to estrogens and are consumed at a relatively high rate by Asian populations with an average intake of approximately 15-40 mg/d for isoflavone. They have been reported to alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, suggesting that isoflavones may be biologically active in a low-estrogen environment. Previous studies have reported inconsistent associations between the intake of soy and isoflavones and age at natural menopause. Therefore, our aim was to test the hypothesis that higher isoflavone intake is related to higher age at natural menopause. Methods: We followed 85,810 premenopausal women (mean [SD], 36.5 [4.7] year) who completed a previously validated food frequency questionnaire, had not been diagnosed with cancer, and did not undergo any menopausal hormone therapy as of 1991. Diet was assessed every 4 years. Isoflavone intake was estimated from these reports. Participants self-reported their menopausal status and the type of menopause (natural, surgical, and radiation or chemotherapy) every 2 years. We used proportional hazard regression models with age in months to evaluate the relation of isoflavone intake with age at natural menopause where natural menopause was the study outcome and menopause due to surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy were censoring events. We used restricted cubic splines to assess the possibility of non-linear relations between isoflavone intake and age at menopause using the U.S. average isoflavone intake (0.8mg/d) as a reference while adjusting for potential confounders, including age at menarche, BMI, race/ethnicity, smoking status, physical activity, parity, breastfeeding, time to regular menstrual cycle, energy intake, and two dietary factors identified by principal component analysis. Results: Over 1,079,608 person-years, we observed 37,438 cases of natural menopause. Soy products contributed approximately half of isoflavone intake. There was a non-linear association between isoflavone intake and age at natural menopause (p<0.001). Women with isoflavone intakes below the U.S. national average were more likely to experience earlier onset menopause. Conversely, in women with intakes above the national average, the risk of menopause decreased with increasing isoflavone intakes, albeit plateauing at intakes of approximately 3-4mg/d (90-95th percentile of observed distribution). There was a suggestion of a positive association between isoflavone intake and earlier onset menopause for intakes above the 99th percentile of the observed distribution (∼14 mg/d). Conclusion: This study suggests a non-linear relation between isoflavone intake and age at natural menopause with a potential later onset of menopause at intake levels higher than typical in the US diet but lower than those typically observed in East Asia. Presentation: 6/2/2024

The cycles agroecosystem model: Fundamentals, testing, and applications

Models of the soil–plant-atmosphere continuum are repositories of knowledge and gears in analytical and decision support tools applied to agroecosystems. In this paper, we present the Cycles agroecosystem model theory along with test cases and applications. Cycles combines innovations for simulating soil hydrology and biogeochemistry, including carbon and nitrogen saturation theory, with a modular software architecture. These elements enable simulating monoculture or polyculture crop sequences and associated management practices, containerizing for applications that require high-performance computing, and data assimilation at runtime. A comparison of simulated and measured daily evapotranspiration (ET) obtained with the eddy covariance method for maize (Zea mays L.) and shrub willow (Salix spp.) shows that Cycles represents well meteorological and vegetation controls of ET (root mean square error or RMSE = 0.75 mm d-1). Cycles accurately simulated differences of 150 mm in growing season ET between these two plant communities. Comparisons of modeled versus measured soil water content under soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) in southeastern Pennsylvania for six soil layers at 0.1-m increments showed accurate representation of water depletion and recharge (RMSE of 0.027–0.011 m3 m−3). Simulations of growth and nitrogen uptake of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in eastern Washington also highlight the model’s skill simulating processes that affect water and nutrient fluxes simultaneously. To highlight Cycles’ suitability for incorporation in high performance computing applications, we present a coupling of Cycles with an autonomous crop sequence builder (Cycles-A) in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This system automatically identified areas for double cropping and selected the optimum combination of annual crops across the watershed. The Cycles model innovations and agroecosystem framing continue advancing the premise of making models not only dynamic knowledge repositories but useful tools for research and landscape management.

SELECTION OF SOYBEAN GENOTYPES TOLERANT TO HIGH TEMPERATURES AND LOW LATITUDE

The edaphic and climatic conditions of the tropical regions of the world constitute a limiting factor for soybean growing, especially through aspects related to the specific photoperiod of the plants. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the genetic diversity among 16 Brazilian soybean cultivars [Glycine max (L.) Merrill and 76 plant introductions-PIs based on variables related to production and yield components. The multivariate analyses of Mean Euclidean Distance, Principal Component Analysis, and the UPGMA method summarized the traits evaluated in a dataset with smaller dimensions to facilitate identification of superior genotypes. The 16 Brazilian cultivars and 76 PIs were structured in six diversity panels that were consistent and without duplicates. The Brazilian soybean cultivars Sambaíba and 203404 and the PIs 165524, 407744, 205912, 381660, 203400, and 281911 show potential for providing genes related to tolerance to stress from temperatures greater than 30ºC and latitudes below 10ºS.

Heavy Metals Analysis of Breweries Effluent used in Soil Cultivated with Glycine Max (L.) Merr. Accessions with Biochar Augmentation

Beer production has promulgated the prevalence of heavy metal contamination in the environment (soil and water bodies). The magnitude of breweries wastewater-effluent effect discharged on soil and its effect on crop quality in terms of growth and physiology must therefore be investigated. This study aims to assess the level of seven heavy metals (HM) (lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)) in breweries wastewater-effluent and its effect on the growth of Glycine max accessions (TGM-3990, TGM-1348, TGM-1732, TGM-2175 and TGM-928) as well as the influence of biochar soil amendment in the induction of HM tolerance in G. max. Effluent properties were analyzed using the A1 portable TDS/EC meter. HM in the wastewater-effluent was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The experiment was set up in a complete block design. 3 seeds G. max accessions were planted in 7kg of sterilized soil (control, effluent and biochar treatments). Growth parameters were taken using standard methods, while the total photosynthetic pigments (TPP) were determined using the atLeaf chlorophyll meter. The wastewater-effluent recorded an electrical conductivity (EC) of 928µS/cm, total dissolved solids (TDS) (464ppm), Temperature (31.9-32.6°C) and pH (5.37). Results for HM concentration showed; Pb (0.20mg/L), Ni (<0.001mg/L), Cr (0.03mg/L), Cu (<0.001mg/L), Cd (<0.001mg/L), Zn (<0.001mg/L) and Fe (8.74mg/L). The trend shows that Fe˃Pb˃Cr˃Cd˃Cu˃Ni˃Zn. Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn were significantly below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Waste Water Forum (WWF) permissible limit, while Fe and Pb significantly higher. G. max accessions TGM-928 (80%) and TGM-3990 (80%) had better germination percentage (GP), TGM-1348 (60%) had the lowest GP, while TGM-2175 recorded no germination in all treatments. At 6 weeks after planting (WAP), it was observed that irrigation of G. max accessions with breweries wastewater-effluent significantly (p=0.001) stimulated growth parameters such as shoot length for TGM-3990 which recorded; Treatment=19.53±0.94cm; Control=17.10±0.67cm; Biochar=40.83±1.01cm) while TGM-1732 had the highest shoot growth (T=38.57±1.53cm; C=25.00±0.00cm; B=82.33±5.70cm) when compared to their controls. TGM-3990 (T=32.20mg/kg, C=34.10mg/kg, 43.30mg/kg) recorded the least TPP contents, while TGM-928 (T=51.00mg/kg, C=45.60mg/kg, B=43.50mg/kg) recorded the highest TPP in all treatments. Amelioration of soil with biochar significantly (p=0.001) stimulated growth above the effluent treatment and control. Similar trend was observed for leaf area, petiole length, leaf number, stem girth and internode length. This study has shown that breweries effluent has the potential of growth enhancement in G. max cultivation and in combination biochar application reduces the need for additional fertilizer application.

Positive effects of a mixture of fish oil and soybean oil as a dietary lipid source on the ovarian development and health of female giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock

Lipids are key nutrients that affect the development of the ovary in aquatic animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different lipid sources on the ovarian development and health of Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock. The M. rosenbergii broodstock, with an initial body weight of 8.07±0.74 g, were fed diets containing 5 % fish oil (FO), soya bean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), coconut oil (CO), and a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil (MO) as lipid sources for a period of 56 days. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in survival rate (SR) and hepatopancreatic index (HSI) among the different groups (P > 0.05). However, the specific growth rate (SGR) and gonadosomatic index (GSI) in the MO group were significantly higher than other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, fatty acid levels in diets directly influenced the fatty acid composition of prawn hepatopancreas, showing a similar trend to that observed in the diet itself. Furthermore, compared to the other trial groups, haemolymph levels of 17-β estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PROG) were significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). The ovarian section also exhibited better histomorphology and larger oocyte diameter in this group. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the MO group (P < 0.05). Saturated fatty acids in RO and CO groups could promote the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes fatty acid synthase (fas) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), concurrently suppressing the expression of lipid catabolism-related genes acyl-CoA oxidase-1 (acox-1) and AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (ampkα) (P < 0.05). Conversely, polyunsaturated fatty acids in the MO group significantly up-regulated the expression levels of fatty acid binding protein-3 (fabp-3) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pparγ) (P < 0.05). Based on the findings of hepatopancreatic tissue structure, it was determined that the use of a single vegetable oil resulted in some damage to the hepatopancreatic tissue structure of M. rosenbergii broodstock, leading to increased oxidative stress. In conclusion, it is recommended that a 1:1 mixture of fish oil and soybean oil be used as a dietary lipid source to effectively meet the nutritional requirements during the ovarian development period of M. rosenbergii broodstock. This combination also enhances antioxidant properties, promotes the synthesis of haemolymph steroid hormones and lipid metabolism in female prawns, thereby facilitating ovarian development and overall health of M. rosenbergii broodstock.

Evaluation of Early Maturing Soya Bean (Glycine max.) Genotypes for Pod Shattering Resistance and High Yielder at Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Pod shattering is occurring after the pods reached maturity which can cause considerable yield loss in soya bean crop. The aims of this study were to evaluate the pod shattering resistance and the performance of the agronomic traits of several soybean genotypes. Field experiment was conducted at Humera district during 2018 cropping season using sixteen soya bean genotypes. Treatments were evaluated with RCBD and replicated three times. Pod shattering, number of branches, seed per pod, pod per plant, hundred seed weight and seed yield was shows a significant (P&lt;0.01) variation among genotypes. While; there was not a significant variation among genotypes in terms of the number of days from planting to flowering and maturity. The mean pod shattering was ranged from scale1.25 to 4. Maximum amount of pod shattering was measured in the genotypes PI423959 (4), PI506764 (3.75) and PI417085 (3.25). However, minimum amount of pod shattering was measured in the genotypes of PI417116 (1.25), Desha (1.75) and PI417132 (2). Highest yield was obtained from the genotypes PI714116 (19.29kg/ha) and PI417132 (16.54kg/ha). However, lowest yield was obtained from the genotypes Williams (check) (6.7kg/ha) followed by PI223963 (8.53 kg/ha) and Nova (check) (9.86 kg/ha).

Identification of potential auxin response candidate genes for soybean rapid canopy coverage through comparative evolution and expression analysis

IntroductionThroughout domestication, crop plants have gone through strong genetic bottlenecks, dramatically reducing the genetic diversity in today’s available germplasm. This has also reduced the diversity in traits necessary for breeders to develop improved varieties. Many strategies have been developed to improve both genetic and trait diversity in crops, from backcrossing with wild relatives, to chemical/radiation mutagenesis, to genetic engineering. However, even with recent advances in genetic engineering we still face the rate limiting step of identifying which genes and mutations we should target to generate diversity in specific traits.MethodsHere, we apply a comparative evolutionary approach, pairing phylogenetic and expression analyses to identify potential candidate genes for diversifying soybean (Glycine max) canopy cover development via the nuclear auxin signaling gene families, while minimizing pleiotropic effects in other tissues. In soybean, rapid canopy cover development is correlated with yield and also suppresses weeds in organic cultivation.Results and discussionWe identified genes most specifically expressed during early canopy development from the TIR1/AFB auxin receptor, Aux/IAA auxin co-receptor, and ARF auxin response factor gene families in soybean, using principal component analysis. We defined Arabidopsis thaliana and model legume species orthologs for each soybean gene in these families allowing us to speculate potential soybean phenotypes based on well-characterized mutants in these model species. In future work, we aim to connect genetic and functional diversity in these candidate genes with phenotypic diversity in planta allowing for improvements in soybean rapid canopy cover, yield, and weed suppression. Further development of this and similar algorithms for defining and quantifying tissue- and phenotype-specificity in gene expression may allow expansion of diversity in valuable phenotypes in important crops.