Soybean Research Articles

Preliminary Insights on Barriers to and Facilitators of Healthy Eating for Rural Residents Emerging from Extreme Poverty: A Qualitative Study in Dafang, China

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary views and practices and to identify associated barriers to and facilitators of healthy eating of rural residents emerging from poverty in the context of rapid socio-economic development. A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was utilized to collect detailed insights into the dietary behaviors of 22 rural residents from 10 villages in Fengshan town, Dafang county, Guizhou province, China. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview data, guided by the socio-ecological model. Four themes were identified: traditional eating patterns, factors influencing food choice, limited knowledge of healthy diet, and lack of nutritional guidance. Barriers to healthy eating included traditional but unhealthy foods, limited nutritional knowledge, inadequate understanding of nutritional requirements, overwhelming nutritional information, and limited professional guidance. Facilitators encompassed healthy traditional eating patterns, household composition, home gardening, preference for traditional bean and soy products, improved food supply and availability owing to poverty alleviation efforts, and being open to receiving professional dietary guidance. As a preliminary investigation into the dietary views and practices of this population, the study highlights a significant gap in the nutritional knowledge and guidance available to rural residents in China, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address the complex socio-ecological factors influencing dietary behaviors.

Simultaneous genetic transformation and genome editing of mixed lines in soybean (Glycine max) and maize (Zea mays)

AbstractRobust genome editing technologies are becoming part of the crop breeding toolbox. Currently, genome editing is usually conducted either at a single locus, or multiple loci, in a variety at one time. Massively parallel genomics platforms, multifaceted genome editing capabilities, and flexible transformation systems enable targeted variation at nearly any locus, across the spectrum of genotypes within a species. We demonstrate here the simultaneous transformation and editing of many genotypes, by targeting mixed seed embryo explants with genome editing machinery, followed by re-identification through genotyping after plant regeneration. Transformation and Editing of Mixed Lines (TREDMIL) produced transformed individuals representing 101 of 104 (97%) mixed elite genotypes in soybean; and 22 of 40 (55%) and 9 of 36 (25%) mixed maize female and male elite inbred genotypes, respectively. Characterization of edited genotypes for the regenerated individuals identified over 800 distinct edits at the Determinate1 (Dt1) locus in samples from 101 soybean genotypes and 95 distinct Brown midrib3 (Bm3) edits in samples from 17 maize genotypes. These results illustrate how TREDMIL can help accelerate the development and deployment of customized crop varieties for future precision breeding.

Whole genome sequencing of the poly-γ-glutamic acid-producing novel Bacillus subtilis Tamang strain, isolated from spontaneously fermented kinema

Kinema, a traditional fermented soybean food from the Himalayas, is well-liked for its sticky texture and flavourful umami taste. Among 175 bacterial strains from spontaneously fermented kinema samples, Bacillus subtilis Tamang strain stood out for its high stickiness and viscosity. The strain’s Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) contains various groups of glutamic acid and has a molecular weight of 660 kDa. It demonstrates the ability to solubilize iron, preserve ferritin in Caco-2 cells, and exhibit antibacterial properties. The genome of B. subtilis Tamang is devoid of plasmid elements but does feature nine insert elements. Noteworthy is the presence of unique secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial effects, such as amyloliquecidin GF610, bogorol A, and thermoactinoamide A. A total of 132 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) were identified, hinting at possible prebiotic characteristics. The genome analysis revealed genes responsible for γ-PGA production via the capBCA complex. Furthermore, genes associated with fibrinolytic activity, taste enhancement, biopeptides, immunomodulators, and vitamins like B12 and K2 were found, along with probiotics and various health benefits. The genetic material for L-asparaginase production, known for its anti-cancer properties, was also detected, as well as CRISPR-Cas systems. The absence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes confirms the safety of consuming B. subtilis Tamang as a food-grade bacterium.

Rapid Identification of Rhizobia Nodulating Soybean by a High-Resolution Melting Analysis

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the most important and oldest crops. Due to its ability to form symbiotic interactions with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, it is a valuable source of nitrogen for agriculture and proteins for humans and livestock. In Europe, for instance, in Poland, the soybean cultivation area is still not large but is gradually increasing due to climate change. The lack of indigenous soybean microsymbionts in Polish soils forces the application of commercial strains to establish effective symbioses. Fast and reliable identification methods are needed to study the persistence, competitiveness, and dispersal of bradyrhizobia introduced as inocula. Our study aimed to apply real-time PCR coupled with high-resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis to detect and differentiate bacterial strains occupying soybean nodules. HRM-PCR was performed on crude extracts from nodules using primers specific for recA, a highly conserved nonsymbiotic gene. By comparing them with the reference strains, we were able to identify and assign Bradyrhiobium strains that had been introduced into field locations in Poland. In conclusion, HRM analysis was proven to be a fast and accurate method for identifying soybean microsymbionts and might be successfully used for identifying other legume-nodulating bacteria.

First report of Macrophomina phaseolina causing сharcoal rot in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) plants in Uzbekistan.

The soybean production area is expanding in Uzbekistan. Soybeans were planted on an area of 10 thsd ha and the harvest amounted to 30 thsd metric tons in 2023 (IPAD, https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/countrysummary). Macrophomina phaseolina (Mp) is a soil- and seed-borne fungal pathogen causing economically important diseases of legume crops (Pennerman et al. 2024). Drought stress and a warm climate are favorable to this pathogen (Irulappan et al. 2022). Under these conditions, its microsclerotia survive for a longer period and become more virulent (Chamorro et al. 2015). In August 2022, typical symptoms of charcoal rot were observed in about 25% of "Orzu" soybean cultivar affecting 6 ha located on the experimental base "Durmon" of our institute. Diseased plants displayed the following charcoal rot symptoms: leaves turn yellow, then wilt, die, and remain attached to the plant; the lower portion of the stem and tap root have a light gray or ashy black discoloration; tiny black specks on the lower stem and root; after splitting the stem, it has the appearance of fine charcoal powder. In order to determine the causal agent of these symptoms, a total of 17 diseased plants were collected from focal lesions in soybean plantings. From each plant, twelve sections of stem and root tissue were selected, cut into small 5-mm pieces, and surface sterilized with 1% sodium hypochlorite for four minutes, then rinsed three times with sterile distilled water. The disinfected tissues were dried on sterile filter paper for 5 min and placed on PDA Petri plates, which were incubated in an incubation chamber for 3 days (16 h light (26oC) and 8 h dark (18oC)). Fungi were subsequently subcultured on PDA and incubated for 7 days to obtain pure cultures. Six monohyphal colonies were purified. The colonies showed dense growth, with a gray initial mycelium becoming darker with aging. After 8 days on PDA, black-colored microsclerotia with spherical to oblong shapes were observed. On average, they measured 60 µm in width and 130 µm in length (n = 30). From six isolated monohyphal colonies, one has been chosen for molecular-genetic identification. Molecular-genetic analysis was conducted by amplification and sequencing of the ITS region with the ITS1 and ITS4 primers (White et al. 1990). The resulting sequence was deposited in the NCBI database under accession number OQ073450. After BLAST analysis (Altschul et al. 1990) it was 100% identical with the reference sequences of Mp (accession MT039671, MT039663 and MH496040) isolated in sugar beet, maize and sunflower, respectively, from Serbia. In order to verify the pathogenicity, soybean seedlings (cv. Orzu) were dipped into spore suspension (1 × 107 spores/ml) of sequenced strain R-17 for 1 minute and transferred to a 15 cm diameter plastic pot with 350 g of sterilized soil mix. After 25 days, the inoculated plants showed classic charcoal rot symptoms, while the control plants remained healthy. The pathogen was successfully reisolated from the infected seedlings onto PDA, fulfilling Koch's postulate. The identity of the re-isolated strain was confirmed by morphological features and sequencing of the ITS region. It should be noted that in Uzbekistan, Mp has not been documented in any plants. Therefore, according to our knowledge, this is the first report of this fungus affecting soybean plants in Uzbekistan. Since molecular-genetic analysis of the R-17 strain showed clustering with strains from Serbia, we speculate that there may have been a recent introduction of Mp from Serbia into Uzbekistan. This assumption is additionally confirmed by the fact that Serbia is the largest seed exporter in Uzbekistan. The increase in charcoal rot disease poses a major challenge to soybean production in Uzbekistan. Understanding the genetic diversity of Mp can be utilized to manage this disease, improve soybean yield, and help soybean breeding programs in Uzbekistan.

Determination of flavonoid and anthocyanin contents, and antioxidant activity of selected Philippine soybean (Glycine max) genotypes

Soybeans contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that are associated with health benefits related to antioxidant activities. In this study, the total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and the relative antioxidant activities (AOA) of selected Philippine soybean genotypes were screened in order to select and recommend promising genotypes that may be used for further breeding and varietal development. Using the aluminum trichloride method, the genotypes POP 1-44 (TFC = 0.619 g/100 g), PHL 29272 (TFC = 0.616 g/100 g), and Tiwala 6 (TFC = 0.608 g/100 g) were determined to have the highest calculated TFC values. pH differential and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays distinguished all three black-seeded soybean genotypes PHL 29272 (TAC = 177.010 mg/100 g; AOA = 24.476%), PHL 29502 (TAC = 143.750 mg/100 g; AOA = 25.745%), and PHL 29552 (TAC = 123.572 mg/100 g; AOA = 29.297%) with the highest anthocyanin contents and relative antioxidant activities. Genotype PHL 29272 was consistently found among those with the highest results for the three tests. Significant correlations (α = 0.05) were found between flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.0001), and between anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the study was able to identify genotypes that can be recommended as the most suitable candidates for soybean breeding activities.

Phytochemical investigation and characterisation of methanolic extract of Glycine max seeds using LCMS/MS and in silico studies for wound healing activity.

Soybean is scientifically known as Glycine max. It belongs to the Fabaceae family. It consists of a lot of bioactive phytochemicals like saponin, phenolic acid, flavonoid, sphingolipids and phytosterols. It also owns excellent immune-active effects in the physiological system. Soy and its phytochemicals have been found to have pharmacological properties that include anticancer, antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolaemic, anti-diabetic, oestrogenic, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-hypertensive, anti-mutagenic, immunomodulatory, anti-osteoporotic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, goitrogenic anti-skin ageing, wound healing, neuroprotective and anti-photoageing activities. Present study has been designed to set standard pharmacognostical extraction method, complexation of compounds, qualitative evaluation through phytochemical screening, identification by TLC, physicochemical properties, solubility profile, total phenolic, flavonoid content as well as analytical evaluation or characterisation like UV and FT-IR of methanolic extract of G. max. The final observations like physicochemical properties such as total ash value, LOD and pH were recorded. Phytochemical screenings show the presence of flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin, carbohydrate, tannins, protein, gums and mucilage, fixed oils and fats. The results were found significant. Further in silico studies proved creatinine and euparin to be potent wound healing agents.

Seed physiological traits and environmental factors influence seedling establishment of vegetable soybean (Glycine max L.).

Edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a specialty soybean prized for its nutritional value and taste, has witnessed a surge in demand within the U.S. However, subpar seedling stands have hindered its production potential, necessitating increased inputs for farmers. This study aims to uncover potential physiological factors contributing to low seedling emergence in edamame. We conducted comprehensive assessments on thirteen prominent edamame genotypes alongside two food-grade and two grain-type soybean genotypes, focusing on germination and emergence speed in both laboratory and field settings. Additionally, we employed single electrical conductivity tests and identified and quantified seed leachate components to distinguish among soybean types. Furthermore, using a LabField™ simulation table, we examined seed emergence across a wide soil temperature range (5°C to 45°C) for edamame and other soybean types. All seeds were produced under the same environmental conditions, harvested in Fall 2020, and stored under uniform conditions to minimize quality variations. Our findings revealed minimal divergence in emergence percentages among the seventeen genotypes, with over 95% germination and emergence in laboratory conditions and over 70% emergence in the field. Nonetheless, edamame genotypes typically exhibited slower germination speeds and higher leachate exudates containing higher soluble sugars and amino acids. Seed size did not significantly impact total emergence but was negatively correlated with germination and emergence speed, although this effect could be mitigated under complex field conditions. Furthermore, this study proposed differences that distinguish edamame from other soybean types regarding ideal and base temperatures, as well as thermal time. The finds offer valuable insights into edamame establishment, potentially paving the way for supporting local edamame production in the U.S.

Transcription factor GmAlfin09 regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress in soybean via peroxidase GmPRDX6.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is a valuable oil crop but is also highly susceptible to environmental stress. Thus, developing approaches to enhance soybean stress resistance is vital to soybean yield improvement. In previous studies, transcription factor Alfin has been shown to serve as an epigenetic regulator of plant growth and development. However, no studies on Alfin have yet been reported in soybean. In this study, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related GmAlfin09 was identified. Screening of genes co-expressed with GmAlfin09 unexpectedly led to the identification of soybean peroxidase 6 (GmPRDX6). Further analyses revealed that both GmAlfin09 and GmPRDX6 were responsive to ER stress, with GmPRDX6 localizing to the ER under stress. Promoter binding experiments confirmed the ability of GmAlfin09 to bind to the GmPRDX6 promoter directly. When GmAlfin09 and GmPRDX6 were overexpressed in soybean, enhanced ER stress resistance and decreased ROS levels were observed. Together, these findings suggest that GmAlfin09 promotes the upregulation of GmPRDX6, and GmPRDX6 subsequently localizes to the ER, reduces ROS levels, promotes ER homeostasis, and ensures the normal growth of soybean even under ER stress. This study highlights a vital target gene for future molecular breeding of stress-resistant soybean lines.

Development and reproduction of Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on six host plant species.

Host plants can strongly influence the population performance of insects. Here, we investigated the development, survival, and oviposition of Scirtothrips dorsalis Hoodon 6 host plants-Camellia sinensis ( L.) Kuntze (Ericales: Theaceae), Rosa chinensis Jacq. (Rosales: Rosaceae), Capsicum annuum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae), Eustoma grandiflorum (Hook.) G.Don (Gentianales: Gentianaceae), Glycine max (L.) Merr. (Fabales: Fabaceae), and Cucumis sativus L. (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae), and constructed life tables for S. dorsalis on each plant. Significant differences in S. dorsalis development on the host species were observed. The mean developmental period from egg to adult was 11.45 ± 0.12 days, 11.24 ± 0.13 days, 12.08 ± 0.15 days, 12.28 ± 0.12 days, 12.67 ± 0.10 days, and 13.03 ± 0.11 days on C. sinensis, R. chinensis, C. annuum, E. grandiflorum, G. max, and C. sativus, respectively. Significant differences in survival of S. dorsalis were observed, namely, C. sinensis ≈ R. chinensis > E. grandiflorum ≈ C. annuum > G. max > C. sativus. The highest and lowest fecundities of S. dorsalis were recorded on R. chinensis (60.44 ± 1.53) and C. sativus (28.64 ± 1.02), respectively. Both of the net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of S. dorsalis were the highest on R. chinensis, with the values of 27.63 ± 0.58 and 0.142 ± 0.002, respectively; while the lowest on C. sativus, with the values of 8.81 ± 0.12 and 0.092 ± 0.003, respectively. Thus, R. chinensis was found to be the most suitable host, but C. sativus was the least suitable, for population development of S. dorsalis. Our results provide important information for the key control of S. dorsalis among different host plants.

Production of Nattokinase from Bacillus Amyloliquifaciens MRS18: A Bacterial Strain Isolated from Fermented Beans.

Nattokinase (NK) is a naturally occurring fibrinolytic protease enzyme obtained from the traditional Japanese food called Natto and has several uses in the pharmaceutical and medical industries. Nowadays, the most often used thrombolytic agent in the clinical field is NK, in part because it is less expensive than other thrombolytic medicines. The objective of this study is to investigate the screening, isolation and characterization of the NK enzyme-producing Bacillus strain from fermented Soya beans. The sample of fermented soya beans were tested for the presence of fibrinolytic protease- producing bacteria, followed by the screening, extraction, characterization and clot lysis assays. A total of three isolates were screened for caseinolytic activities by casein hydrolysis assay. Out of those isolates, MRS18 was found to be potent in producing the enzyme proteinase. To determine the taxonomy and phylogeny of these isolates, biochemical and molecular characterization has been carried out. Bacillus amyloliquiefaciens MRS18 has been found with the highest caseinolytic activity. The clot lysing ability of the potent strain Bacillus amyloliquiefaciens was found to be 61.7% after 120 min, and on further purification, by ammonium sulphate precipitation method, the lysis percentage was found to be 65.6 % after 120 min. From the results of the present study, we concluded that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolated from the fermented soya beans produced an NK enzyme that exhibits immense potential to lyse blood clots.

Antifungal Properties of Streptomyces bacillaris S8 for Biological Control Applications.

Soybean (Glycine max), a crucial global crop, experiences yearly yield reduction due to diseases such as anthracnose (Colletotrichum truncatum) and root rot (Fusarium spp.). The use of fungicides, which have traditionally been employed to control these phytopathogens, is now facing challenges due to the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains. Streptomyces bacillaris S8 strain S8 is previously known to produce valinomycin t through a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) pathway. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of S. bacillaris S8 against C. truncatum and Fusarium sp., assessing its efficacy against soybean pathogens. The results indicate that strain S8 effectively controlled both above-ground and underground soybean diseases, using the NRPS and NRPS-related compound, suggesting its potential as a biological control in plant-microbe interactions. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the stain S8 in fostering healthy soybean microbial communities and emphasize the significance of microbiota structure studies in unveiling potent biocontrol agents.

Evaluation of bio-efficacy of bio-stimulant (Macarena) along with herbicides on performance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

Evaluation of bio-efficacy of bio-stimulant (Macarena) along with herbicides on performance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

UV-B Radiation Disrupts Membrane Lipid Organization and Suppresses Protein Mobility of GmNARK in Arabidopsis.

While it is well known that plants interpret UV-B as an environmental cue and a potential stressor influencing their growth and development, the specific effects of UV-B-induced oxidative stress on the dynamics of membrane lipids and proteins remain underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that UV-B exposure notably increases the formation of ordered lipid domains on the plasma membrane (PM) and significantly alters the behavior of the Glycine max nodule autoregulation receptor kinase (GmNARK) protein in Arabidopsis leaves. The GmNARK protein was located on the PM and accumulated as small particles in the cytoplasm. We found that UV-B irradiation interrupted the lateral diffusion of GmNARK proteins on the PM. Furthermore, UV-B light decreases the efficiency of surface molecule internalization by clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). In brief, UV-B irradiation increased the proportion of the ordered lipid phase and disrupted clathrin-dependent endocytosis; thus, the endocytic trafficking and lateral mobility of GmNARK protein on the plasma membrane are crucial for nodule formation tuning. Our results revealed a novel role of low-intensity UV-B stress in altering the organization of the plasma membrane and the dynamics of membrane-associated proteins.

Robust soybean leaf agroinfiltration.

A robust agroinfiltration-mediated transient gene expression method for soybean leaves was developed. Plant genotype, developmental stage and leaf age, surfactant, and Agrobacterium culture conditions are important for successful agroinfiltration. Agroinfiltration of Nicotiana benthamiana has emerged as a workhorse transient assay for plant biotechnology and synthetic biology to test the performance of gene constructs in dicot leaves. While effective, it is nonetheless often desirable to assay transgene constructs directly in crop species. To that end, we innovated a substantially robust agroinfiltration method for Glycine max (soybean), the most widely grown dicot crop plant in the world. Several factors were found to be relevant to successful soybean leaf agroinfiltration, including genotype, surfactant, developmental stage, and Agrobacterium strain and culture medium. Our optimized protocol involved a multi-step Agrobacterium culturing process with appropriate expression vectors, Silwet L-77 as the surfactant, selection of fully expanded leaves in the VC or V1 stage of growth, and 5min of vacuum at -85kPa followed by a dark incubation period before plants were returned to normal growth conditions. Using this method, young soybean leaves of two lines-V17-0799DT, and TN16-5004-were high expressors for GUS, two co-expressed fluorescent protein genes, and the RUBY reporter product, betalain. This work not only represents a new research tool for soybean biotechnology, but also indicates critical parameters for guiding agroinfiltration optimization for other crop species.We speculate that leaf developmental stage might be the most critical factor for successful agroinfiltration.

Biohydrogen utilization in legume-rhizobium symbiosis reveals a novel mechanism of accelerated tetrachlorobiphenyl transformation

Symbiosis between Glycine max and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens were used as a model system to investigate whether biohydrogen utilization promotes the transformation of the tetrachlorobiphenyl PCB77. Both a H2 uptake-positive (Hup+) strain (wild type) and a Hup- strain (a hupL deletion mutant) were inoculated into soybean nodules. Compared with Hup- nodules, Hup+ nodules increased dechlorination significantly by 61.1 % and reduced the accumulation of PCB77 in nodules by 37.7 % (p < 0.05). After exposure to nickel, an enhancer of uptake hydrogenase, dechlorination increased significantly by 2.2-fold, and the accumulation of PCB77 in nodules decreased by 54.4 % (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the tetrachlorobiphenyl transformation in the soybean root nodules was mainly testified to be mediated by nitrate reductase (encoded by the gene NR) for tetrachlorobiphenyl dechlorination and biphenyl-2,3-diol 1,2-dioxygenase (bphC) for biphenyl degradation. This study demonstrates for the first time that biohydrogen utilization has a beneficial effect on tetrachlorobiphenyl biotransformation in a legume-rhizobium symbiosis.

Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Meal (MOLM) Supplement in Combating Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens Fed Maize Soya Bean Diet

Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Meal (MOLM) Supplement in Combating Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens Fed Maize Soya Bean Diet

Fermented Yak-Kong using Bifidobacterium animalis derived from Korean infant intestine effectively relieves muscle atrophy in an aging mouse model.

Yak-Kong (YK) is a small black soybean widely cultivated in Korea. It is considered to have excellent health functionality, as it has been reported to have better antioxidant efficacy than conventional black or yellow soybeans. Since YK has been described as good for the muscle health of the elderly in old oriental medicine books, this study sought to investigate the effect of fermented YK with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LDTM 8102 (FYK) on muscle atrophy. In C2C12 mouse myoblasts, FYK elevated the expression of MyoD, total MHC, phosphorylated AKT, and PGC1α. In addition, two kinds of in vivo studies were conducted using both an induced and normal aging mouse model. The behavioral test results showed that in the induced aging mouse model, FYK intake alleviated age-related muscle weakness and loss of exercise performance. In addition, FYK alleviated muscle mass decrease and improved the expression of biomarkers including total MHC, myf6, phosphorylated AKT, PGC1α, and Tfam, which are related to myoblast differentiation, muscle protein synthesis, and mitochondrial generation in the muscle. In the normal aging model, FYK consumption did not increase muscle mass, but did upregulate the expression levels of biomarkers related to myoblast differentiation, muscle hypertrophy, and muscle function. Furthermore, it mitigated age-related declines in skeletal muscle force production and functional limitation by enhancing exercise performance and grip strength. Taken together, the results suggest that FYK has the potential to be a new functional food material that can alleviate the loss of muscle mass and strength caused by aging and prevent sarcopenia.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) Leaf Moisture Estimation Based on Multisource Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Image Feature Fusion.

Efficient acquisition of crop leaf moisture information holds significant importance for agricultural production. This information provides farmers with accurate data foundations, enabling them to implement timely and effective irrigation management strategies, thereby maximizing crop growth efficiency and yield. In this study, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral technology was employed. Through two consecutive years of field experiments (2021-2022), soybean (Glycine max L.) leaf moisture data and corresponding UAV multispectral images were collected. Vegetation indices, canopy texture features, and randomly extracted texture indices in combination, which exhibited strong correlations with previous studies and crop parameters, were established. By analyzing the correlation between these parameters and soybean leaf moisture, parameters with significantly correlated coefficients (p < 0.05) were selected as input variables for the model (combination 1: vegetation indices; combination 2: texture features; combination 3: randomly extracted texture indices in combination; combination 4: combination of vegetation indices, texture features, and randomly extracted texture indices). Subsequently, extreme learning machine (ELM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and back propagation neural network (BPNN) were utilized to model the leaf moisture content. The results indicated that most vegetation indices exhibited higher correlation coefficients with soybean leaf moisture compared with texture features, while randomly extracted texture indices could enhance the correlation with soybean leaf moisture to some extent. RDTI, the random combination texture index, showed the highest correlation coefficient with leaf moisture at 0.683, with the texture combination being Variance1 and Correlation5. When combination 4 (combination of vegetation indices, texture features, and randomly extracted texture indices) was utilized as the input and the XGBoost model was employed for soybean leaf moisture monitoring, the highest level was achieved in this study. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the estimation model validation set reached 0.816, with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.404 and a mean relative error (MRE) of 1.934%. This study provides a foundation for UAV multispectral monitoring of soybean leaf moisture, offering valuable insights for rapid assessment of crop growth.

Flavonoid localization in soybean seeds: Comparative analysis of wild (Glycine soja) and cultivated (Glycine max) varieties

Wild soybean (Glycine soja) is known for its high flavonoid contents, yet the distribution of flavonoids in the seeds is not well understood. Herein, we utilized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) and metabolomics methods to systematically investigate flavonoid differences in the seed coats and embryos of G. soja and G. max. The results of flavonoid profiles and total flavonoid content analyses revealed that flavonoid diversity and abundance in G. soja seed coats were significantly higher than those in G. max whereas the levels were similar in embryos. Specifically, 23 unique flavonoids were identified in the seed coats of G. soja, including procyanidins, epicatechin derivatives, and isoflavones. Using MALDI-MSI, we further delineated the distribution of the important flavonoids in the cotyledons, hypocotyls, and radicles of the two species. These findings imply that G. soja holds considerable breeding potential to enhance the nutritional and stress resistance traits of G. max.