2014
The use of VIGS technology to decrease yield-limiting stress in soybeans
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Contributor/Checkoff:
North Central Soybean Research Program
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
GeneticsGenomics
Parent Project:
Development of high-throughput DNA-based gene silencing technology for soybeans
Lead Principal Investigator:
John Hill, Iowa State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Thomas Baum, Iowa State University
Leonor Leandro, Iowa State University
Steve Whitham, Iowa State University
Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota
Craig Grau, University of Wisconsin
Kerry Pedley, USDA/ARS-Fort Detrick, MD
Michelle Graham, USDA/ARS-Iowa State University
Randy Shoemaker, USDA/ARS-Iowa State University
+7 More
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
North Central Soybean Research Program
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
Iowa State University
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

The project's goal is to understand the genetic pathways involved in biotic and abiotic stress resistance, so that soybean germplasm with new defensive features can be identified, leading to the breeding of soybean varieties that respond less to the variation in growing conditions. The VIGS technology allows for rapid screening and assessing the function of the genes being tested.

The VIGS technology uses BPMV (Bean pod mottle virus) to carry pieces of soybean gene sequences into the plant to turn off (silence) requisite target genes.

Unique Keywords:
#bean pod mottle virus (bpmv), #breeding & genetics, #soybean stress-genetic resistance, #virus-induced gene silencing
Information And Results
Final Project Results

The research team reports the following major accomplishments:
• They optimized high-throughput BPMV vector to support co-expression of two genes, gene silencing along with expression of a GFP marker gene to enable marker assisted gene silencing and targeting any sequence in the genome regardless of reading frame. A U.S. patent has been obtained on the process.
• The culture filtrate assay was proved more reliable than whole plant assay for identifying genes involved in SDS resistance.
• They made 120 BPMV constructs which may represent “hub” proteins to mediate resistance. Identified four “hub” genes that may be involved in Soybean mosaic virus resistance network.
• Two genes have been identified which seem to effect the SCN-soybean interaction. An attempt to silence genes at the SCN feeding site. Attempting to silence genes at the nematode feeding site.
• One “hub” (and perhaps three) gene for Rpp2-mediated resistance to Asian soybean rust has been identified. Likely two have been identified for Rpp3-mediated resistance. BAC library is being used for identification of Rsv1 locus.
• BPMV constructs RBOH-F (an NADPH oxidase) and COMT1 (Caffeic O-Methyl Transferase1) are consistently involved in genetic network for white mold resistance.
• They have generated plants transformed with transcription factors affecting yield and seed size. Increasing seed from these plants.
• Two VIGS project meetings were held to coordinate research and direction, discuss results, and analyze solutions to challenges.
• A library of VIGS constructs targeting nearly 1000 soybean genes has been developed.

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.