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Soybean

To meet the needs of farmers, industry, and consumers , we take a multi-pronged approach of breeding, phenotyping, genetics, and data sciences to increase yield and seed protein and to provide pest and disease resistance to soybean varieties primarily for food grade and non-GM markets. Both germplasm and cultivars developed under this project provide scientific advancement and economic benefit to stakeholders. The development of disease- and pest-tolerant varieties help reduce the application of chemicals to control pests and diseases.

Seed yield and protein improvement: Soybean production and profitability are impacted if crop doesn’t achieve its yield potential. We consider three main components to realize the true genetic potential in our varieties: (1) the assembly of favorable genetic combination of grain yield genes, and (2) the protection of yield from various deterrents, including pests and diseases, and (3) maximization of performance in a diverse set of growing and soil conditions.

Our breeding programs’ goals are: to improve agricultural production output and positively impact Iowa farmers and the agricultural industry through the development of new products (cultivars and germplasm), gene discovery, research insights on pertinent topics of importance to farmers, processors, and consumers; and developing selection strategies that lead to higher yield and new products that will improve market penetration. Several avenues being pursued for increased yield and profitability are:

Ground and aerial notes
Ground and aerial notes taken in soybean breeding program.
  • Selecting for yield related and predictive traits using state-of-the-art phenotyping technologies such as drones and ground robots.
  • Improving genetic diversity and incorporating new “yield” genomic regions to current germplasm.
  • Building prediction capabilities in breeding for production practices.
  • Shifting the yield-protein correlation with strategic breeding approaches.
  • Use digital phenotyping for above- and below-ground traits and gleans insights using advanced data analytics.

We mentor the next generation of plant breeders and develop and participate in teams that work towards improved productivity and profitability of producers and processors, and enhanced nutritional quality for animal and human health. We integrate breeding and research activities with student mentoring and learning experiences.

Yield protection: We work with plant pathologists to characterize our varieties for diseases and pests prior to commercialization. Due to environmental variation and its effect on disease and pest populations, we continually strive to create multiple levels of resistance against these important biotic factors in a high quality crop that meets domestic and international demands. We attempt to stack multiple defense traits against these pests and diseases by effective utilization and incorporation of resistance genes.

Increased profitability and Value-Added traits: Our group continues to work on value-added traits, such as modified fatty acid and carbohydrate profiles, and to explore alternative uses for soybean seed and other plant parts. We also have a major effort on increasing seed protein without compromising on seed yield.

PI: Singh, A.K.

Funding: Iowa Soybean Association, United Soybean Board, Iowa Crop Improvement Association, R F Baker Center for Plant Breeding, and North Central Soybean Research Program.