Articles tagged with Soybeans
Corn nematode populations are widespread in Illinois, with over 90% of fields sampled having lesion nematodes that can cause significant yield reductions. Experts recommend taking soil samples and using specific management strategies to mitigate the issue.
A team of researchers has identified 1.1 million base pairs of DNA in the soybean genome, including traits that affect plant development, disease resistance, and nutrition. This knowledge will enable scientists to create more resilient crops, reducing hunger and improving food security worldwide.
The soybean genome shows evidence of two polyploid events, 59 million and 13 million years ago, which resulted in the plant's unusual ability to produce proteins and oils. Most genes are duplicated at chromosome ends, where recombination occurs, and these duplicates have evolved into new genes.
Scientists sequenced the soybean genome to understand its genes and improve characteristics. However, duplicated genes present a challenge, with many copies shuffled, making prediction difficult. Genome sequencing eliminates this issue, enabling faster research advancements.
Researchers have sequenced 85% of the soybean genome, providing critical information to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and nutritional content. The discovery includes genes conferring resistance to a devastating disease and mutations that enhance digestibility and phosphorus absorption.
The soybean genome sequence provides a parts list of what it takes to make a soybean plant, identifying genes essential for agronomic traits like protein and oil content. The analysis also revealed targets for modifying output to bolster biodiesel production.
Research shows that biotech soybean oil enriched with SDA produces more EPA than traditional ALA, reducing heart disease risk. The oil's high efficiency and absence of contaminants make it a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids for humans.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will present scholarships to recognize outstanding students' achievements in agronomy, soil science, and crop science. The awards will be presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh.
Researchers at North Carolina State University aim to create fuels that can be used in place of conventional diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. They plan to genetically modify Dunaliella algae to produce fatty acids that can be converted into fuels, with the goal of creating a cost-competitive, renewable energy source.
Researchers have found that soybeans contain high levels of tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties and may play a role in cardiovascular diseases and cancer prevention. The study suggests that selection for high α-tocopherol content in soybeans will be possible, making it easier to develop functional foods with specific health-...
Researchers at Iowa State University are exploring a new method of controlling soybean aphids without using chemical pesticides. They aim to genetically modify soybeans to produce a toxin that is lethal to aphids but harmless to mammals.
A study predicts that US crop yields could decrease by 30-46% over the next century under slow global warming scenarios and by 63-82% under rapid scenarios. Crop yields are most vulnerable to temperatures above 29-32 degrees Celsius, depending on the crop.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new soybean variety resistant to aphids, but also discovered a new type of aphid that can overcome this resistance. The PI 200538 gene provides additional protection against the new biotype of soybean aphid, offering hope for more durable resistance.
Researchers, led by MU computer scientist Dmitry Korkin, are using machine learning and pattern recognition to identify protein binding sites in plants that match those of pathogens. This work may help improve soybean cultivars for disease resistance by accelerating discovery of resistance to the soybean cyst nematode.
The study highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to manage the invasion of johnsongrass, which threatens the benefits of GMOs in Argentine soybean cultivation. The authors emphasize the importance of considering policy implications beyond deforestation to protect agro-biodiversity.
Researchers found that soybean plants colonized with naturally occurring rhizobia had lower aphid densities than those with commercial or artificially fertilized plants. The plants produced the same level of nitrogen regardless of the type of rhizobia used, suggesting a potential tool for protecting plants from insect herbivory.
A research and outreach system developed over 50 years has shown significant economic benefits in managing the soybean aphid, a destructive pest that stunts plant growth and transmits viruses. The integrated pest management approach is expected to generate an annual rate of return of 180 percent.
A study analyzing 28 soybean experiments found no significant yield advantage for early plantings, regardless of region or variety. However, delaying plantings beyond the critical date in late May or early June led to a substantial loss of yields, suggesting producers should prioritize timely planting.
Soybean oil has been found to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 20% in methane emissions and 19% in carbon dioxide emissions when sprayed inside swine finishing barns. The study, conducted at a northern Missouri farm, also showed a significant reduction in particulate matter.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels stimulate plant respiration, increasing energy production and potentially supporting greater crop yields. The study used microarrays to detect changes in gene activity, revealing over 600 genes altered by high CO2 conditions.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an insecticide that targets the soybean aphid, a pest ravaging Minnesota crops. The small molecule blocks acetylcholinesterase activity in aphids without inhibiting it in humans.
A recent study found that early soybean planting from April to May consistently resulted in higher yields. However, oil concentration was higher at early plantings, while protein concentration was better when planted later in the season.
University of Missouri researchers are creating a comprehensive database of soybean proteins and metabolites to study changes under drought and stressed conditions. The database will help breeders engineer better-performing soybean plants using computerized models that predict physiological and biological changes.
Research by Michigan State University scientists found that monoculture corn landscapes reduce beneficial insects' ability to control pests, increasing pesticide use and yield losses. The study estimates the value of biological pest control service in soybeans to be about $240 million each year.
The US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has released a complete draft assembly of the soybean genetic code, making it available to researchers. Preliminary studies suggest that the soybean genome contains as many as 66,000 genes, more than twice the number identified in the human genome.
A new genomic tool has been developed to identify gene function in soybeans, a key step towards improving crop performance. By analyzing transposon mutations, researchers can pinpoint specific genes associated with desirable traits such as seed composition and root growth.
A team of researchers led by University of Georgia's Wayne Parrott is using a jumping gene in rice and radiation to identify key genes in soybeans that can be used to produce a better bean. This project aims to improve soybean yield, disease resistance and nutritional content.
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) presented various scholarships to students pursuing careers in agronomic sciences. The scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership activities, and future plans related to the field.
The University of Minnesota has been given approval to conduct research on plant pathogens that could damage crops or forests. The new facility will focus on studying pests like Asian Soybean Rust and Ug99 stem rust in wheat, which could have significant impacts on global food production.
Planting herbicide-tolerant crop varieties can significantly reduce herbicide losses and concentrations in surface runoff, according to a USDA study. The study found that contact herbicides like glyphosate and glufosinate resulted in lower concentrations of herbicides in water compared to residual herbicides.
Winter cover crops can perpetuate themselves through self-seeding, eliminating planting costs and time constraints for farmers. This innovative management system also enhances weed suppression and improves soil quality.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels in soybeans attracted more adult Japanese beetles, Western corn rootworms, and Asian soybean aphids. The study suggests that global environmental change is multifaceted, with increased insect damage due to impaired plant defenses.
Researchers found several soybean varieties that grow well in southern Indiana and are resistant to root-knot nematodes, a plant-destroying parasite. These resistant varieties can help reduce the number of nematodes in the soil, improving crop yields and reducing environmental damage.
The NOVA documentary 'Forgotten Genius' tells the story of African-American chemist Percy Julian, who made groundbreaking discoveries in steroids and developed life-saving drugs. The film highlights Julian's personal courage and tenacity in the face of racism and adversity.
The DOE JGI has released a preliminary soybean genome assembly, enabling researchers to study the genetic code and develop more effective bioenergy applications. The assembly is based on 13 million shotgun reads and will be improved upon in future versions.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia has discovered a clean process for making gold nanoparticles using gold salts, soybeans, and water. The new process eliminates the need for synthetic or man-made chemicals, which can have negative environmental impacts.
Scientists identified molecular markers linked to two root-knot nematode resistance genes, enabling breeders to efficiently screen for resistant plants. This breakthrough allows for faster and cost-effective development of root-knot resistant soybean crops.
Research by the University of Illinois found that elevated CO2 levels increase the susceptibility of soybeans to Japanese beetles and enhance their invasive abilities. This study highlights the potential risks of climate change on crop defenses, particularly for highly usable crops like soybeans.
The study found that certain biofuel crops, such as switchgrass and hybrid poplar, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85% compared to gasoline and diesel. These crops also offset the largest amounts of fossil fuels reduced emissions when used for electricity generation via biomass gasification.
Researchers at Iowa State University have created a new type of bioplastic that can be used to make durable hog feeders. The feeders are made from a combination of corn and soybean oils, which are significantly cheaper than traditional petrochemicals.
The trans fat ban in New York City is a step in the right direction, but restaurateurs need to replace partially hydrogenated fat with unsaturated fat. The regulation also requires restaurants to provide calorie information prominently, which may be even more important for addressing obesity and promoting heart health.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process for producing bioplastics from natural oils, which will be used to create high-tech hog feeders. The new feeders are expected to reduce material costs and provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based feeders.
A recent NASA study found that clearing for mechanized cropland has become a significant force in Brazilian Amazon deforestation. The study suggests that the conversion of forests to croplands can have a more pronounced ecological and climate impact than other land conversions.
The study reveals crucial aspects of SOD and soybean root rot diseases, including the ability of pathogens to evade plant defense responses and kill plant tissue. The genomic sequence data provides insights into the disease mechanisms and can be used to develop new detection systems and control methods
Pam Henderson received the APS Plant Pathology Journalism Award for her nine-article series on Asian Soybean Rust, which raised public awareness of the disease. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing knowledge and understanding of plant pathology.
A comprehensive study reveals that soybean biodiesel produces more energy than is needed to produce it, while corn grain ethanol requires less but still has significant environmental drawbacks
Researchers at Iowa State University successfully developed a new soybean oil with elevated oleic acid content, eliminating the need for hydrogenation and reducing trans fats. The oil has been adopted by the food industry for various products, including cereal, energy bars, and non-dairy creamers.
Two unique soybean lines (PI 567476 and PI 603570A) have been identified that do not contain the leading allergy-causing P34 protein. These naturally occurring genetic mutations eliminate the protein's potential to trigger allergies, offering hope for reducing soy allergies.
The USDA and DOE are coordinating plant and microbial genomics research to address national agriculture and energy challenges. The DOE Joint Genome Institute will sequence the soybean genome, which is of particular interest due to its role in producing biodiesel.
Agricultural activity dominates over a third of the Earth's landscape, posing environmental challenges such as deforestation and water pollution. New maps track changing agricultural land use patterns worldwide, highlighting emerging trends like soybean production in Argentina and Brazil driven by China's demand.
A study by Cornell University professor David Pimentel found that organic farming systems produce the same crop yields as conventional farming, while using less energy and conserving more water. Organic farming also improves soil quality and reduces pollution.
A new 12-week study of 302 adults with high-normal or mildly elevated blood pressure found that eating special cookies containing 40 grams of soybean protein resulted in significantly larger decreases in pressure levels compared to those who ate similar cookies made of complex wheat carbohydrate. The soybean group had a net reduction o...
Researchers have identified techniques to detect soils that inhibit soybean cyst nematode populations, a major cause of yield losses in the US. These methods can be used to promote soil health and reduce environmental impact by using nematode-suppressive soils.
Soybean rust, a fungal disease affecting crops in Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America, has caused up to 80% yield losses. Plant pathologists will discuss research on overwintering, movement, host plant resistance, and chemical control during the APS Annual Meeting symposium.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that USDA corn production forecasts were more accurate than private forecasts during most periods, but had limited impact on prices. Private market forecasts improved significantly since the mid-1980s, outperforming USDA forecasts in August and other months.
A comprehensive plan has been developed by Virginia Tech to minimize losses from Soybean Rust, a disease that severely affected Brazilian soybeans. The plan includes educational programs and a monitoring system to identify the disease, as well as guidelines for scouting and treating infected fields.
The 2004 Midwest crop yields were record-breaking due to unique weather conditions, including an unusually high number of sunny days that aided photosynthesis. This anomaly in atmospheric circulation patterns contributed to the exceptional yields, which surpassed predictions and models.
A new computer model predicts that soybean rust, a highly aggressive form of the disease, has already spread to Brazil and Venezuela, putting the US at high risk. The model suggests that the disease will reach the US within the current growing season or no later than two years.
A team led by Evan DeLucia will use genomic technologies to understand how soybeans respond to climate change, including greenhouse gases and drought conditions. The research aims to identify key genes driving these responses and improve crop productivity.
A team of researchers has successfully synthesized polyols from soy oil through air oxidation, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials for various industries.