Location: Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research
Project Number: 6070-21220-070-032-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2023
End Date: Jul 31, 2027
Objective:
The Soybean & Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit proposes a collaboration with NCSU to determine spatially resolved gene expression patterns that regulate temperature responses in developing soybean seeds. Key objectives for our CRIS project are to increase soybean resilience to weather stress and optimize seed composition for end uses, including soy food applications. Previously, we have evaluated the response of multiple soybean genotypes to elevated temperatures and found genetic variation in seed protein, amino acid, and oil responses. RNA sequencing identify key genes whose expression in seeds regulates the seed composition response to elevated temperatures, increasing the likelihood that we identify the critical genes regulating the seed composition response to elevated temperature.
Additionally, the Soybean & Nitrogen Fixation Research Unit proposes a collaboration with NCSU to hire a support scientist to examine the role of key genes related to nitrogen fixation and drought stress responses. Key objectives of our in-house project are to improve drought, heat, and flood tolerance of soybean and to determine mechanisms that underlie these traits. Previously, we have identified genes of interest using RNA-sequencing of drought-stressed soybean nodules followed by gene regulatory analysis and comparison with known drought resilience loci in publicly available datasets. This collaboration will support the next steps by examining in more detail the function of genes of interest.
This position is mission-critical for achieving the USDA Priority Area of Increasing Profitability of Farmers and Ranchers. US soybean farmers regularly lose millions of dollars to weather stress. Improved soybean varieties with better drought, cold, or heat tolerance are required to ensure US farmers’ long-term financial security. To achieve this goal, research must be conducted to identify genes and traits that determine stress responses, which will enable more efficient soybean breeding strategies as well as targets for biotechnology-based crop improvement. This support position will directly work to understand these physiological and genetic determinants of soybean weather stress tolerance that are critical to US farmers.
This position, funded by the amendment, will offset the vacant position number 3A4057, which is needed to complete mission critical CRIS project work.
Approach:
1. Perform RNA-sequencing analysis on soybean genotypes with contrasting heat responses under control and elevated temperature conditions.
2. Identify key transcripts regulating seed development responses to elevated temperature.
Additional approach:
1. Maintain greenhouse experiments.
2. Measure the expression of genes of interest.
3. As indicated by (2), prepare genetic resources for future functional gene analyses, which may include expression vectors.