2019
Developing and Characterizing Soybean Germplasm with Increased Oil While Maintaining Protein and Yield (Year 3 of 1720-162-0111)
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Contributor/Checkoff:
United Soybean Board
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
(none assigned)
Parent Project:
Development of Soybean Cultivars with Increased Seed Oil Content While Maintaining Protein and Yield (Year 1 of 1420-632-6606)
Lead Principal Investigator:
Leah McHale, The Ohio State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Leandro Mozzoni, University of Arkansas
Pengyin Chen, University of Missouri
Tom Clemente, University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Ana Alonso, University of North Texas
Rouf Mian, USDA/ARS-Ohio State University
+4 More
Project Code:
1920-162-0111
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
United Soybean Board
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
The Ohio State University
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

Unique Keywords:
#oil content, common effect qtl, fatty acid pathways, new oil traits, #seed composition
Information And Results
Final Project Results

Updated November 21, 2019:
Through this project, we were able to develop breeding lines with a “balanced” composition of protein and oil. From AK, one such line is in the last stage of testing and being ramped up for release as germplasm for the greater breeding community; four lines from OH require 1-2 additional years of testing, but are very close to project objectives, including one line which meets project objectives (108% ave check yield, 35.3% protein, 20.7% oil); six released lines from MO have elevated oil, nearly meeting project objectives; and 1 line from NC will be released that nearly meets project objectives. In addition, the support from USB allowed the identification of new genetic sources and key alleles that have been used in crosses to develop future germplasm. This information has been published and presented so that other breeders are aware of these resources and they can be incorporated into programs.

This program is reducing to practice the synthesis of novel co-products in soybean seed, namely the production of very long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (DHA in progress), high value carotenoid astaxanthin, a form of Vit E (tocotrienol) along with oil elevated in stearic and oleic acids. These novel output traits hold great potential for applications in feed, food, industrial and cosmetic industries.

A sequential protocol of extraction of soluble sugars, starch, hemicellulose, and crystalline cellulose was tested and validated in mature soybean seeds. Mature seeds, harvested in Fall 2018 from four different states were analyzed (total 220 samples). Correlation analyses identified: i) lines with higher average oil and protein content and lower concentration of total soluble sugars, and ii) lines with consistently low oligosaccharide content across locations. During this project, a mathematical model describing biomass accumulation in Thorne embryos was built, biomass accumulation rates were determined, in vitro culture conditions for embryos development were identify, and substrate uptake rates were evaluated. Each one of these accomplishments is getting us closer to pinpoint the causes of the negative correlation between oil and protein content in soybean embryos.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.