Soybean Plants Research Articles

Cyanobacterium Nostoc species mitigate soybean cyst nematode infection on soybean by shaping rhizosphere microbiota

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is the most devastating and yield-limiting pathogen that threatens soybean production globally. Sustainable SCN disease management strategies are needed. In this study, a cyanobacterial strain was isolated from SCN-infected soybean soil and identified as Nostoc punctiforme using the cyanobacterial 16S rRNA gene sequence. When susceptible soybean plants were grown in the SCN-inoculated soil, N. punctiforme inoculants significantly reduced the total number of SCN eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2s), compared to the control with SCN inoculation only. Further microbial analysis showed that N. punctiforme inoculants changed the bacterial and fungal communities in the soybean rhizospheres and significantly increased the relative abundance of several bacterial and fungal species with potential nematicidal activities, suggesting the changes of soybean rhizosphere microbiota may partially contribute to the activity of N. punctiforme inoculants against SCN. However, N. punctiforme inoculants did not directly induce soybean defense reactions against SCN. Thus, N. punctiforme may be a potential microbial source against SCN invasion in soybean.

Genome-Wide Association Study to Identify Soybean Lodging Resistance Loci and Candidate Genes.

High-density planting is crucial for maximizing the genetic potential of soybean cultivars to achieve higher yields. However, increasing the planting density can lead to the risk of plant lodging. Therefore, the identification of gene loci associated with lodging resistance is considered critical for the development of high-yielding, lodging-resistant soybean cultivars. In this study, 338 natural soybean accessions from the similar latitude were used to identify candidate genes associated with lodging resistance. Based on 9,400,987 SNPs, the soybean population was classified into three subpopulations. Genome-wide association analysis revealed that under planting densities of 300,000 and 150,000 plants/ha, a total of 20 significant SNPs were repeatedly detected under both planting densities, distributed across 14 chromosomes of soybeans. A hotspot region was identified on chromosome 19, from which seven candidate genes were detected. Based on haplotype and gene expression analyses, Glyma.19g212800 (SUS3) and Glyma.19g212700 (GH9B13) were found to be associated with significant phenotypic variations and were identified as candidate genes. RNA-seq analysis showed that DEGs were primarily enriched in the starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. The differential expression of Glyma.19g212800 among soybean haplotypes was further validated by qRT-PCR. By participating in sucrose decomposition and polysaccharide metabolism processes, it regulated cellulose content, thereby affecting the soybean plant lodging. This study facilitated the dissection of genetic networks underlying lodging traits in soybean, which benefits the genetic improvement of high-yield soybean with dense planting.

MSAFNet: a multi-scale data fusion-based drought recognition method for three-dimensional images of the soybean plant

MSAFNet: a multi-scale data fusion-based drought recognition method for three-dimensional images of the soybean plant

Biomass Accumulation and C N Partitioning in Soybean Plants in Response to Drought Stress and Elevated Atmospheric CO2 Concentration

ABSTRACTElevated carbon dioxide (e[CO2]) promotes plant photosynthetic activity and growth, which mitigates the adverse effects of drought. The ability of soybean to fix nitrogen (N) from the air may sustain plant N nutrition under e[CO2], and thus may influence carbohydrate metabolism. This study systematically analysed the interaction mechanism between elevated CO2 concentration and drought stress on the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism in soybean. In this study, the effects of e[CO2] and aridity on the activity of carbohydrate‐metabolising enzymes, carbon (C) and N partitioning in soybean plants were investigated. The findings indicated that e[CO2] enhanced leaf biomass by 66% (Drought stress/DS) and 31.6% (Well‐watered/WW) in comparison to plants raised under ambient CO2, but decreased stem biomass by 28.6% (DS) and 35.5% (WW), with no effect on root biomass. e[CO2] stimulated dry matter (18%DS, 16% WW) and C (17% DS, 16% WW) partitioning into leaf, whereas drought decreased it. Phosphofructokinase and sucrose synthase activity in leaves were increased in response to e[CO2], especially for the drought‐stressed plants. e[CO2] depressed the leaf cytoplasmic invertase and cell wall invertase activities, while drought stress reversed such effects. In addition, e[CO2] reduced leaf and stem N concentration, especially in well‐watered plants, but elevated root N concentration under drought. Drought had little effect on N partitioning, while e[CO2] increased the N partitioning to leaf (17% DS, 15% WW) and root (3% DS, 2% WW). The PCA plot further indicated there is a link between some of the C‐catalysing enzyme activity and dry matter partitioning in soybean plants subjected to e[CO2] and aridity treatment. These findings suggest that the alleviation of drought in soybean plants under e[CO2] is mainly achieved by promoting root nitrogen nutrition distribution and leaf carbohydrate synthesis pathways. These observations provide a greater understanding of the adaptation to future elevated CO2 and drought environments in soybean plants.

Trans-zeatin modulates shade stress adaptation in soybean through transcription associated metabolic network.

Trans-zeatin modulates shade stress adaptation in soybean through transcription associated metabolic network.

Fulvic acid-releasing chitosan nanoparticles promote the growth and salt stress tolerance of soybean plants.

Nanotechnology offers several advantages over conventional inputs, with widespread application in agriculture. The current climate change crisis has accelerated the accumulation of salts in soils, which is a major challenge to global food security. Here, we synthesized fulvic acid-releasing chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-FANPs) for promoting soybean growth and salt stress tolerance. In a screening hydroponic experiment, 0.1 mM Ch-FANPs promoted plant growth and enhanced the growth parameters of pot-grown soybean plants significantly and modulated stomatal movement under control as well as salt stress conditions induced by 150 mM NaCl. Salt stress affected overall plant growth and reduced the chlorophyll content. However, plants treated with Ch-FANPs not only accumulated significantly higher chlorophyll under both control and salt conditions but also enhanced several above- and below-ground growth parameters by more than 50%. Interestingly, the Ch-FANP-treated salt-exposed plants accumulated ~30% less soluble proteins than untreated salt-stressed plants. Ch-FANPs-mediated protection against salt stress was related to the activation of antioxidant machinery as the highest ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was recorded in Ch-FANPs-treated salt-stressed plants along with significantly low MDA and H2O2 contents. ICP-MS analysis showed a tremendously higher accumulation of Na+ ions (~35 ppm) in the leaves of salt-stressed plants compared to 19 ppm Na+ ions when also treated with Ch-FANPs. Salt-exposed plants treated with Ch-FANPs had the highest K+ content (~76 ppm) and Ca2+ (62 ppm). Furthermore, Ch-FANPs-mediated protection against salt stress was associated with a significant increase in the expression of salt stress marker genes GmSOS1, GmSOS2, GmNHX1, and GmP5CS1.

Unveiling the protective role of silicon dioxide nanoparticles against copper-induced oxidative damage in soybean plants through altered proline metabolism and antioxidants

Unveiling the protective role of silicon dioxide nanoparticles against copper-induced oxidative damage in soybean plants through altered proline metabolism and antioxidants

The effect of soil conditioner & growth booster on the agronomic characters and number of nodules of black soybean

Soil Conditioner & Growth Booster (SCGB) is a potion that was made to be used as a soil conditioner and plant growth promoter. SCGB is made from organic matter, biological fertilizers, soil ameliorants, and microelements. This research aims to determine the best dosage of SCGB on the agronomic characters, effective nodules, and black soybean variety ‘Detam-1’ yield. This research was conducted in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Winaya Mukti University, Sumedang, Indonesia. This experiment used a simple randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 kg/ha) and repeated 4 times. The observation was conducted on a number of effective root nodules, plant height, number of leaves, 100-grain weight, number of pods, seed weight per plant, and seed weight per plot. The result showed that SCGB application significantly improved agronomic characteristics of black soybean plants, increasing the number of effective nodules by 147% to 168% compared to untreated plants. A dose of 3 kg/ha SCGB showed the best results in increasing 35% on yield seed weight per hectare compared to without application of SCGB.

Differential transpiration occurs in soybean under a wide range of water deficit and heat stress combination conditions.

Differential transpiration is a newly discovered acclimation strategy of annual plants that mitigates the negative impacts of combined water deficit (WD) and heat stress (HS) on plant reproduction. Under conditions of WD + HS, transpiration of vegetative tissues is suppressed in plants such as soybean and tomato, while transpiration of reproductive tissues is not (termed 'Differential Transpiration'; DT). This newly identified acclimation process enables the cooling of reproductive organs under conditions of WD + HS, limiting HS-induced damage to plant reproduction. However, the thresholds at which DT remains active and effectively cools reproductive tissues, as well as the developmental stages at which it is activated in soybean, remain unknown. Here, we report that DT occurs at most nodes (leaf developmental stages) of soybean plants subjected to WD + HS, and that it can function under extreme conditions of WD + HS (i.e., 18% of field water capacity and 42°C combined). Our findings reveal that DT is an effective acclimation strategy that protects reproductive processes from extreme conditions of WD + HS at almost all developmental stages. In addition, our findings suggest that, under field conditions, DT could also be active in plants subjected to low or mild levels of WD during a heat wave.

Produtividade da soja em resposta à aplicação foliar de micronutrientes

Foliar fertilization with micronutrients can improve the nutritional status of soybean plants and can enhance grain yield, especially when grown in the Cerrado region. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of using foliar fertilizers based on the micronutrients Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo and Co during the vegetative and reproductive stages as an alternative to enhance soybean yield in tropical Cerrado soil. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, in a 3 × 5 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments consisted of the cultivation of three soybean cultivars (ST 797 IPRO, BMX Bônus IPRO and BMX Única IPRO) and the application of four micronutrient-based foliar fertilizers [Maxi Zinc® (Zn), Nodulus Premium 125® (Mo, Co), NHT Complet® (Cu, Mn, Zn) and Broadacre Black® (Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn)] and the control treatment (no application). Based on the results, it was observed that the application of the foliar fertilizers NHT Complet® and Broadacre® Black were the best options, as they resulted in an increase in plant height, first pod insertion height, pod weight and grain yield for the soybean cultivars ST797 IPRO, BMX Bônus IPRO and BMX Única IPRO. The soybean cultivars ST 797 IPRO and BMX BÔNUS IPRO have greater grain production potential for the Cerrado region in years with drought during the reproductive stage.

Creation of dual-purpose soybean germplasm for grain and forage by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting mutation of GmFT2a and GmFT5a.

Creation of dual-purpose soybean germplasm for grain and forage by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting mutation of GmFT2a and GmFT5a.

Soybean RING-type E3 ligase GmCHYR16 ubiquitinates the GmERF71 transcription factor for degradation to negatively regulate bicarbonate stress tolerance.

Plant AP2/ERF (APETALA2/ethylene response factor) transcription factors are key regulators of environmental stress tolerance. We previously characterized that the wild soybean ERF71 transcription factor conferred bicarbonate stress tolerance; however, the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. Here, multiple approaches were used to identify the E3 ubiquitin ligase GmCHYR16 as an interactor of GmERF71. Ubiquitination and protein degradation of GmERF71 mediated by GmCHYR16 were then analyzed. Overexpression transgenic lines were generated to evaluate the function of GmCHYR16 and GmERF71 in bicarbonate stress response. GmCHYR16 interacts with GmERF71. GmERF71 proteins undergo ubiquitination and 26S proteasome-mediated degradation, and GmCHYR16 mediates the ubiquitination of GmERF71 for degradation. The GmCHYR16-mediated ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of GmERF71 are reduced under bicarbonate stress. GmCHYR16 expression in transgenic Arabidopsis, soybean hairy roots, and stable transgenic soybean reduces bicarbonate stress tolerance. GmERF71 degradation is decreased in the protein extracts of atchyr1/7 mutants, and atchyr1/7 mutants display higher bicarbonate tolerance. Overexpression of GmERF71 in transgenic soybean obviously increases bicarbonate tolerance, and GmCHYR16 reduces the bicarbonate tolerance of transgenic hairy root composite soybean plants by repressing GmERF71. Our results demonstrate that GmCHYR16 directly ubiquitinates GmERF71 for degradation and negatively regulates bicarbonate stress tolerance.

Novel polymeric nanoparticles as nanofertilisers for alkaline iron-deficient conditions

Abstract Background and aims Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a nutritional disorder impacting plants and is prevalent in calcareous alkaline soils, corresponding to 30% of the world's arable land. IDC compromises iron uptake in crops such as soybean (Glycine max). To improve the effect of iron fertilisers, we sought to develop a nanotechnology-based intervention using polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with Fe(dmpp)3. Methods Nanoparticles were loaded with a fluorophore to understand their uptake by soybean. Nanoparticles’ physicochemical and release properties were examined. The work comprises a seed soaking study considering untreated plants, and Fe(dmpp)3 solutions or nanosuspensions (NSs) (10 and 20 µM). Results Plants treated with 20 µM NS showed an improvement in morpho-physiological traits and an increase in relevant gene expression vs control. They reached V1 stage 2.5 days faster and V3 2.8 days faster; had a 26% higher SPAD values at stage V3; developed roots that had 39% higher total fresh weight and shoots that were 26% heavier; and registered a 2.25-fold increase in root IRT1 expression and a 3.37-fold increase in leaf ferritin expression. Treatment with 10 µM NS led to a 3.31-fold increase in ferritin expression vs control and a 2.49-fold increase vs Fe(dmpp)3 solution at 10 µM. Conclusions The results illustrate the potential of NPs as a seed-soaking agent, promoting plant growth, reducing IDC, and activating molecular-level iron availability responses. Notably, this is the first study attempting to monitor the mobility of fluorescent NPs in soybean plants and the first in employing NPs as nanocarriers of Fe(dmpp)3.

Complete Genome Resource for Pseudomonas sp. Strain WP18 Isolated from a Disease Suppressive Soil

Bacterial strain WP18 was isolated in the Mississippi Delta from the rhizosphere of a healthy soybean plant growing in a charcoal rot disease patch, caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis demonstrated the strain belongs to the genus Pseudomonas. Preliminary studies show that strain WP18 possesses antimicrobial activity against known plant pathogens. Pseudomonas sp. strain WP18 was found to have a single, circular chromosome which is 6,336,986 base pairs in size. No plasmids were detected. There are a total of 5,669 coding genes in the WP18 genome including 5,533 putative protein-coding genes, 50 putative pseudogenes, 82 genes encoding RNAs (e.g., 16 rRNAs and 66 tRNAs) and a non-coding RNAs. The WP18 genome has two predicted gene clusters that may encode the antimicrobial compounds hydrogen cyanide and 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol. However, the essential genes for the production of phenazines, the Pseudomonas type III secretion system, and phytotoxins were not found. The findings of this study provide a genome resource for the bacterium.

Differential xylem phytohormone export from dry and wet roots during partial rootzone drying is independent of shoot-to-root transport in soybean.

Different phytohormones can act as root-to-shoot signalling molecules in response to soil drying. Recent findings suggest that root ABA levels are predominantly leaf-sourced and not locally synthesized, thus, ABA exported from the roots in the xylem is mostly recycled from the shoot. To explain the differential root hormone accumulation observed under partial rootzone drying (PRD) that imposes distinct dry and wet parts of the root zone, we grafted "two-root, one-shoot" soybean plants to independently assess xylem export of different phytohormones from either part of the root zone. Grafts were subjected to a combination of girdling (either part, all, or none of the rootzone) and irrigation (homogenously well-watered (WW) and PRD). PRD did not increase foliar ABA but decreased stomatal conductance, attributed to decreased leaf water potential and/or increased xylem sap ABA, JA, or ACC concentrations. In contrast, the foliar ABA increments that accompanied girdling-induced stomatal closure were proportional to the root fraction to which phloem transport was interrupted. Irrespective of girdling, root ABA accumulation (and xylem ABA export from) was highest in the dry PRD rootzone, xylem jasmonic acid (JA) in the wet PRD rootzone, and xylem ACC in both rootzones of PRD plants. Thus, soil drying of the dry root zone and transient overwatering of the wet root zone enhanced ACC export in PRD plants. We conclude that root water status during PRD enhances root ABA, JA and ACC synthesis and xylem export, independent of shoot-to-root transport.

Emergence of Soybean and Canola Plants as Affected by Soil Compaction from a Seeder Press Roller

Changes in soil properties under mechanical stress significantly influence the emergence and growth of crops, with different crops responding differently to these changes. To explore the impact of different soil compaction states on crop growth, field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 in sandy loam soil in Manitoba, Canada. The crops (canola and soybean) were planted under three compaction levels created by a seeder’s press roller: no press roller (P0), one pass of the press roller (P1), and two passes of the press roller (P2). Soil mechanical properties and plant growth were measured for each treatment. The results indicated that soil shear strength increased significantly with each level of compaction from P0 to P1 and from P1 to P2, while soil surface resistance remained largely unaffected. Interestingly, soybean and canola responded differently to soil compaction. Soybeans showed no significant changes in emergence speed or final plant population across the three treatments. Conversely, canola exhibited over a 50% increase in emergence speed and more than a 100% increase in final plant population with either one (P1) or two passes (P2) of the press roller, compared to the no press roller (P0) treatment. These findings provide valuable guidance for agricultural producers and engineers in adjusting the down pressure of seeder press wheels when planting different crops.

Soybean Reproductive Traits Evaluated in Response to Temperature Stress and Elevated Oxygen; Three Peroxidase Transgenes Reduce Seed Abortion

In a previous Arabidopsis investigation, three ovule-specific cell-wall peroxidases decreased seed abortion rates. These peroxidases were expressed in soybean plants. Because cell wall peroxidases alter extensibility, possible effects on seed size and plant yield were evaluated. Since the effects of these peroxidases in Arabidopsis were dependent on environmental stress, soybean plants were grown in controlled environment greenhouse rooms under four temperature treatments; the daily temperature averages were 26, 30, 34, and 38 °C. In this experiment in vivo oxygen levels during seed growth were 25-fold below ambient, which could affect peroxidase activities. Consequently, soybeans were grown at atmospheric (21%) and elevated (32%) O2 to evaluate peroxidase activities at higher O2. Chambers were maintained at 700 ppm CO2 in an attempt to minimize photorespiration in elevated O2. Individual seed weight decreased with increasing temperature to zero at 38 °C. In elevated O2 rooms, the oxygen concentration in developing seeds increased, but, due to leaf photorespiration, plant biomass and seed yield decreased. Seed size and shelling percentage declined equally with temperature at both O2 concentrations. Expression of all three cell-wall peroxidases reduced seed abortion; however, that did not increase yields at ambient or elevated O2. While O2 concentration is less than 1% in developing seeds, increased O2 levels in seeds were not beneficial for soybean reproduction.

Molecular detection of Dorylaimus stagnalis (Durjan, 1845), in the rhizosphere of soybean plants in Jember District, Indonesia

Abstract. Pradana AP, Izzatika ZN, Addy HS. 2025. Molecular detection of Dorylaimus stagnalis (Durjan, 1845), in the rhizosphere of soybean plants in Jember District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 1913-1919. Nematodes, members of the phylum Nematoda, are ubiquitous soil organisms whose community composition provides critical insights into soil health and ecosystem function. The genus Dorylaimus is of particular ecological interest due to its adaptability and role in nutrient cycling within diverse terrestrial environments. This study documents the first molecular and morphometric confirmation of Dorylaimus stagnalis (Dujardin, 1845), in the rhizosphere of soybean (Glycine max) in Jember District, Indonesia. Soil samples were systematically collected from 15 distinct sites within soybean fields using a standardized protocol, and nematodes were extracted via the Whitehead tray method. Detailed morphological observations were made using an Olympus BX50 light microscope, and morphometric measurements were obtained following De Man’s ratios, which collectively confirmed diagnostic features consistent with D. stagnalis as reported in previous studies. Molecular characterization was performed by PCR amplification of the 28S-D2D3 region followed by Sanger sequencing. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis revealed 94% sequence similarity to established reference sequences (AY592994.1 and AY592995.1) and a low genetic distance of 0.1058, thereby substantiating the taxonomic identity of the specimens. This study’s integrative approach not only verifies the presence of D. stagnalis in Indonesia but also indicates subtle morphometric variations potentially attributable to local environmental pressures. Its findings expand the current understanding of nematode biodiversity in Indonesian agroecosystems and provide a framework for future research on sustainable soil management practices.

Systemic Effects of Nitrate on Nitrogen Fixation and Sucrose Catabolism in Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Nodules

Soybean (Glycine max) nitrogen fixation is inhibited by nitrate, which has been linked to a reduction in carbon allocation and metabolism within nodules. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the nitrate-induced suppression of nitrogen fixation is mediated through altered sucrose allocation and catabolism in nodules. Using unilaterally nodulated dual-root soybean plants in sand-based systems, we applied 200 mg·L−1 nitrate exclusively to the non-nodulated roots for 14 days. Nitrate supply enhanced the proportion of dry weight in leaves but reduced it in nodules at 3, 7, and 14 days. Similarly, nodule dry weight, nodule number, acetylene reduction activity (ARA), and specific nodule activity (SNA) all declined significantly during the same intervals. Notably, sucrose content in the nodules decreased significantly by 20.4% after 3 days but recovered at 7 and 14 days. In contrast, sucrose synthase (SuSy) cleavage activity and malate content in nodules decreased significantly following nitrate treatment, with reductions of 27.8% and 30.7% observed at 7 days, and further decreased to 38.5% and 39.2% at 14 days, respectively. These results suggest that transient sucrose scarcity may drive the initial decline in nitrogen fixation capacity, while restricted sucrose catabolism and decreased malate levels may be a consequence rather than a cause.

Sugar Transporter GmSWEET20 Contributes to the Resistance of Soybean to Cyst Nematode.

SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter) protein facilitates the movement of sugars through cell membranes and is essential for loading sucrose into phloem. Beyond its role in sugar transport, the SWEET protein also modulates plant resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among sugar transporter genes, GmSWEET20, as a positive regulatory factor involved in soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) resistance. In this study, susceptible soybean cultivars (Williams 82) were used to conduct a transcriptome analysis in order to characterize the responses to nematode infection, where multiple sugar transporter genes were highly expressed. The RT-qPCR analysis confirmed a significant increase in the expression of GmSWEET20 in soybean roots with H. glycines infection. Heterologous expression tests indicated that GmSWEET20 encoding protein does not transport hexose in yeast. Further analysis showed that soybean lines overexpressing GmSWEET20 exhibited increased resistance to H. glycines in comparison to the control. The yeast one-hybrid assay was employed to discover the LOC114390362 binds to the GmSWEET20 promoter. Transient expression in tobacco leaf cells revealed nucleus and cytosol localization of LOC114390362. LOC114390362-overexpressing soybean lines reduce the number of nematode infections. Overall, the results indicate that the binding of LOC114390362 to the GmSWEET20 promoter plays a positive role in regulating soybean resistance to H. glycines. The GmSWEET20 gene has the great potential intended for improving resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes in soybean and other plants.