Search Results (127)

Heterosis utilization is an effective strategy to improve crop yield, stress resistance, and quality, and has been widely used in crop breeding. Soybean is an important oil and protein crop worldwide with heterosis, but the genetic basis of soybean heterosis remains largely unclear. Whole-transcriptome analysis provides a new technical approach to explore the molecular mechanism of heterosis. In this study, HYBSOY2, a registered soybean hybrid variety with the strongest heterosis in China, together with its female parent JLCMS47A, maintainer line JLCMS47B, and male parent JLR2, were used as experimental material. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed using RNA extracted from seedling leaves. After mapping high-quality reads to the soybean reference genome, 57 co-expressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in HYBSOY2 compared with both JLCMS47B and JLR2. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses shows that these DEGs were mainly enriched in ADP binding, oxidoreductase activity, fatty acid elongation, and pyruvate metabolism. A total of 787 transcription factors were identified between HYBSOY2 and its parents, most of which shows parental expression-level dominance, with the MYB family accounting for the highest proportion. In addition, 10 differentially expressed lncRNAs were detected between HYBSOY2 and its parents. In the comparison between HYBSOY2 and JLCMS47B, 18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, among which up-regulated miR396d functions in promoting leaf development and enhancing drought tolerance. In the comparison between HYBSOY2 and JLR2, 20 differentially expressed miRNAs were found, including down-regulated miR172c which is involved in flowering promotion. A total of 12 DEGs were further verified by qRT-PCR, which may be closely related to soybean heterosis. This study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic profile at the seedling stage of the hybrid soybean and offers valuable information for hybrid soybean breeding. These results lay a foundation for further revealing the molecular mechanism underlying soybean heterosis. Full article

To develop cosmetic film-forming agents that combine sustainability with functionality, this study synthesized a series of bio-based polyols using epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as raw material through acid-catalyzed ring-opening reactions. These polyols partially replaced petroleum-based polyols and reacted with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). By incorporating β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), a water-based polyurethane (CPS-ESO) was successfully developed that combines degradability with active ingredient delivery capability. Experiments demonstrated that the resulting CPS-M film exhibits excellent water repellency (contact angle 66.7°), mechanical properties (tensile strength 14.21 MPa, elongation at break 229.42%), adhesion (Level 0), and breathability, while displaying controllable degradation behavior under both enzymatic and alkaline hydrolysis conditions. Due to the cavity structure of β-cyclodextrin, this material efficiently loaded resveratrol (RES) at a loading rate of 0.16%. Formulated into a setting spray (F1), the product demonstrated outstanding makeup longevity (lowest ΔE value after water/sweat immersion), anti-friction performance (ΔE value after friction only one-third of the control group), and antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging rate of 86.25%), with RES remaining stable under high-temperature storage conditions. This study provides new insights for designing green multifunctional cosmetic film-forming agents. Full article

Annual wild soybean, the ancestor of cultivated soybean, underwent a significant increase in seed oil content during domestication. To elucidate the genetic basis of this change, a chromosome segment substitution line population (177 lines) constructed with cultivated soybean NN1138-2 as recipient and wild soybean N24852 as donor was used in this study. Phenotypic evaluation across three distinct environments led to the identification of two major QTL/segments, qOC14 on chromosome 14 and qOC20 on chromosome 20, which collectively explained 39.46% of the phenotypic variation, with individual contributions of 17.87% and 21.59%, respectively. Both wild alleles exhibited negative additive effects, with values of −0.35% and −0.42%, respectively, consistent with the inherently low oil content of wild soybeans. Leveraging transcriptome and genome data from the two parents, two candidate genes were predicted. Notably, Glyma.14G179800 is a novel candidate gene encoding a PHD-type zinc finger domain-containing protein, and the hap-A haplotype exhibits a positive effect on oil content. In contrast, Glyma.20G085100 is a reported POWR1 gene, known to regulate protein and oil content. Our findings not only validate the role of known gene but, more importantly, unveil a new candidate gene, offering valuable genetic resources and theoretical targets for molecular breeding of high-oil soybean. Full article

Soil salinization poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity. Among crops, soybean (Glycine max), an important source of oil and protein, is more susceptible to salt stress compared to other major crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa). To better utilize saline land resources, understanding the mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in soybean is essential for developing new salt-tolerant soybean varieties that contribute to food security. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in soybean, with a focus on ion homeostasis, osmotic adjustment, oxidative balance restoration, structural adaptations, and transcriptional regulatory networks. Key findings highlight the critical roles of ion transporters—such as GmNHX1, GmSOS1, GmHKT1, and GmCLC1—in maintaining Na⁺/K⁺ and Cl⁻ balance; the accumulation of osmoprotectants like proline and LEA proteins to alleviate osmotic stress; and the activation of antioxidant systems—including SOD, CAT, and APX—to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, structural adaptations, such as salt gland-like features observed in wild soybean (Glycine soja), and transcriptional regulation via ABA-dependent and independent pathways (e.g., GmDREB, GmbZIP132, GmNAC) further enhance tolerance. Despite these advances, critical gaps remain regarding Cl⁻ transport mechanisms, rhizosphere microbial interactions, and the genetic basis of natural variation in salt tolerance. Future research should integrate genomic tools, omics-based breeding, genome editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9, microbial technologies, and traditional breeding methods to develop salt-tolerant soybean varieties, providing sustainable solutions for the utilization of saline–alkali soils and enhancing global food security. Full article

Smart self-healing polymer materials are breaking open new pathways in industry, minimizing waste, and enhancing the long-term reliability of applications. Moreover, when they possess anti-corrosive properties, they effectively protect surfaces from wear and corrosion, leading to improved and more robust products. In the present work, we develop a series of new self-healing polyurethane coatings activated by temperature, through the encapsulation of vegetable oils (VO), namely olive, soybean, and castor oil, in the core of polyurea microcapsules (VO-MCs). Using a green method, water-dispersible microcapsules were embedded in water-based polyurethane matrices. Both the self-healing ability and the anti-corrosive properties of the respective films were evaluated after mechanical damage. Encapsulation allowed for the direct release of VOs into the damaged area; subsequently, the temperature increase reduced the viscosity of the oils, facilitating their flow and diffusion into the damaged area and accelerating the healing process. Soybean oil and olive oil showed remarkable performance in terms of self-healing and high anti-corrosion ability for the polyurethane coatings, while castor oil showed a limited anti-corrosion effect but quite satisfactory effectiveness in terms of self-healing. Overall, the study highlights the potential of using encapsulated oils in environmentally friendly, active coatings with dual action: corrosion protection and self-repair of damage. Full article

Soybean is rich in protein and oil and serves as the most important legume crop globally. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a severe threat to soybean production worldwide. MutMap, a gene-mapping technology based on map-based cloning and whole-genome resequencing, is utilized to clone key regulatory genes for agronomic traits in plants. However, no relevant studies have reported the cloning of genes resistant to SMV. We used an M3 mutant population derived from ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis of Williams 82, and conducted field inoculation experiments involving the SMV-SC3 strain. After field validation, two lines with high resistance to SMV were finally identified. Using MutMap, we initially screened candidate genes for SMV resistance and found that the G-to-A transitions of one candidate resistance gene, Glyma.13G194900, were at base positions 122 and 166. These transitions resulted in the substitution of glycine with glutamic acid (GGA→GAA) and valine with aspartic acid (GTT→GAT), respectively. Transgenic functional validation in soybean showed that the mutant allele of Glyma.13G194900 (designated Glyma.13G194900^M) substantially enhanced resistance to SMV-SC3, in contrast to the wild-type allele, which did not enhance resistance. Our results demonstrate that MutMap can rapidly identify SMV resistance-related genes to provide a genetic resource that accelerates the breeding of new SMV-resistant soybean. Full article

The soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines, SCN) is the leading pathogen causing economic losses in soybean production worldwide. Using resistant cultivars is the most sustainable control method, yet the molecular basis of this resistance remains unclear. Heinong 531 (HN531), a high-yield soybean variety rich in seed oil, shows broad resistance to multiple SCN races. In this research, we studied HN531’s resistance to SCN races 3 and 5 through phenotypic assessment and comparative transcriptomics. Although initial infection rates were similar between resistant HN531 and the susceptible Dongsheng 1 (DS1), HN531 limited later nematode development inside roots, with fewer progressing to the J2 stage and maturing females. RNA-seq at 5 days post-infection revealed 1459 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HN531, mainly involved in secondary metabolite pathways, especially phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. We pinpointed a β-glucosidase gene (Glyma.12G053800, BGLU) upregulated after SCN infection and naturally more expressed in HN531 roots than DS1. Functional tests using Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation showed that overexpressing Glyma.12G053800 in the susceptible DS1 significantly decreased SCN development and adult female counts by around 65%, without affecting initial infection. These findings suggest Glyma.12G053800 contributes to SCN resistance via phenylpropanoid-driven secondary metabolism, offering new insights into nematode resistance pathways and a valuable genetic resource for breeding broad-spectrum resistant soybean varieties. Full article

Soybean is a major source of plant-based protein and vegetable oil, but its productivity is severely limited by soil salinity. Transcription factors including NAC family play pivotal roles in regulating stress-responsive pathways. Here, we identified and characterized a salt-induced NAC transcription factor, GmNAC03, in soybean. Overexpression of GmNAC03 significantly improved salt tolerance at both the germination and seedling stages. Physiological analyses revealed that antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), were elevated in GmNAC03 transgenic lines, accompanied by reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, indicating enhanced oxidative stress resistance. To further explore its regulatory mechanisms, RNA-seq analysis was performed, which showed that GmNAC03 overexpression affected pathways related to amino acid metabolism, particularly glutamine and aspartate family amino acid biosynthesis, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, suggesting a role for GmNAC03 in metabolic reprogramming under salt stress. Together, these findings demonstrate that GmNAC03 functions as a positive regulator of salt tolerance in soybean by modulating antioxidant defense and amino acid metabolic pathways. This work provides new insights into the molecular basis of NAC-mediated stress adaptation and offers a potential target for breeding soybean varieties with enhanced salinity resistance. Full article

Heike 88, a new soybean variety developed through strategic hybridization of Heijiao 08-1611 × Heihe 43 followed by pedigree selection, was evaluated across seven locations in Heilongjiang Province from 2019 to 2022. The variety demonstrated stable performance with a 10.3% average yield advantage over regional check varieties and mean yields of 3188 kg ha⁻¹. Principal component analysis revealed that genetic variation accounted for 43.4% and 32.6% of performance variance in the first two components, indicating successful transgressive segregation where the pure line exceeded both parental lines through complementary gene action. Performance relative to parental averages ranged from −20% to +40% across the temperature gradient, demonstrating strong genotype-environment interaction effects. Machine learning analysis identified year effect (13% importance), accumulated temperature (7.6% importance), and oil content (4% importance) as primary yield drivers. Complete resistance to soybean mosaic virous (SMV) and cyst nematode attack was observed across all locations, with excellent gray leaf spot resistance (grades 0–1) maintained under natural pathogen pressure. Seed quality parameters remained stable across environments, with protein content ranging from 41.69% to 42.25% and oil content from 19.74% to 20.13%, indicating minimal environmental effects on compositional traits. Yield stability improved progressively over the evaluation period, with the coefficient of variation decreasing from 18.7% in 2019 to 6.7% in 2022, while absolute yields increased from 2550 to 3200 kg ha⁻¹. These results demonstrate successful exploitation of transgressive segregation for regional adaptation through strategic parent selection and pedigree breeding, supporting commercial deployment in northern China’s challenging production environments while providing methodological guidance for future breeding programs targeting environmental specificity. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the most important global economic crops, extensively utilized in the production of food, animal feed, and industrial raw materials. As the demand for soybeans continues to rise, improving both the yield and quality of soybeans has become a central focus of agricultural research. To accelerate the genetic improvement of soybean, genome selection (GS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have emerged as effective tools and have been widely applied in various crops. In this study, we conducted GWAS and GS model evaluations across five soybean phenotypes (Glycitin content, Oil, Pod, Total isoflavone content, and Total tocopherol content) to explore the effectiveness of different GWAS methods and GS models in soybean genetic improvement. We applied several GWAS methods, including fastGWA, BOLT-LMM, FarmCPU, GLM, and MLM, and compared the predictive performance of various GS models, such as BayesA, BayesB, BayesC, BL, BRR, SVR_poly, SVR_linear, Ridge, PLS_Regression, and Linear_Regression. Our results indicate that markers selected through GWAS, when used in GS, achieved a prediction accuracy of 0.94 at a 5 K density. Furthermore, Bayesian models proved to be more stable than machine learning models. Overall, this study offers new insights into soybean genome selection and provides a scientific foundation for future soybean breeding strategies. Full article

Agricultural markets are increasingly exposed to global risks as climate change intensifies and macro-financial volatility becomes more prevalent. This study examines the dynamic interconnection between major agricultural commodities—soybeans, corn, wheat, rough rice, and sugar—and key uncertainty indicators, including climate policy uncertainty, global economic policy uncertainty, geopolitical risk, financial market volatility, oil price volatility, and the U.S. Dollar Index. Using a Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressive (TVP-VAR) model with monthly data, we assess both internal spillovers within the commodity system and external spillovers from macro-level uncertainties. On average, the external shock from the VIX to corn reaches 12.4%, and the spillover from RGEPU to wheat exceeds 10%, while internal links like corn to wheat remain below 8%. The results show that external uncertainty consistently dominates the connectedness structure, particularly during periods of geopolitical or financial stress, while internal interactions remain relatively subdued. Unexpectedly, recent global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict do not exhibit strong or persistent effects on the connectedness patterns, likely due to model smoothing, stockpiling policies, and supply chain adaptations. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening international macro-financial and climate policy coordination to mitigate the propagation of external shocks. By distinguishing between internal and external connectedness under climate stress, this study contributes new insights into how systemic risks affect agri-food systems and offers a methodological framework for future risk monitoring. Full article

Soybean residue, kudzu root residue, astragalus residue and pomegranate peel residue are byproducts of food processing with high yield. In the food processing industry in Northwest China, these waste residues contain a large amount of nutrients and have a large amount of emissions. In this study, cellulose was extracted from four kinds of waste residue and characterized to study its emulsification performance and application effect. The results are as follows: The extracted cellulose had typical cellulose crystal structure and good thermal stability. Among the four kinds of cellulose, the physical, chemical and functional properties of the soybean byproduct were significantly better than those of standard cellulose and other sources of cellulose. The Pickering emulsions fixed by four kinds of cellulose and soybean lecithin have similar properties. The emulsification performance of the immobilized soybean byproduct cellulose Pickering emulsion is the best. Soybean byproduct cellulose was used as an oil substitute for the development of new mayonnaise. The results showed that when 8% soybean byproduct cellulose Pickering emulsion was used to replace vegetable oil, the quality of reduced-fat mayonnaise was better. This soybean byproduct cellulose has potential development and application value in industrial food. Full article

Oil-in-water emulsions are widely used to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioactivity of essential oils in aqueous systems. Advancing the functionality and sustainability of these emulsions using renewable, eco-friendly ingredients remains an important research focus. This study developed and evaluated a lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion stabilized by Tween 80, NaCl, and soybean stover-derived cellulose nanocrystals. After freeze-drying, the nanoemulsion was redispersed in water and analyzed for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and essential oil recovery. Freeze-drying led to significant bioactivity losses, with antifungal and antioxidant activities reduced by 77% and 31%, respectively. Antioxidant activity declined rapidly within the first two weeks of storage at room temperature but was not significantly impacted by light exposure. Storage conditions also altered the sample composition, with one new compound detected in samples stored without light exposure and eleven new peaks observed in light-exposed samples. This study provides insights into the effects of freeze-drying and storage on lemongrass essential oil-loaded nanoemulsion stabilized by Tween 80, NaCl, and cellulose nanocrystals. The findings highlight the challenges of preserving bioactivity and composition in lyophilized essential oil-loaded emulsions and suggest avenues for optimizing drying processes and formulations to improve storage stability and efficacy. Full article

Soybean (Glycine max), as an important crop for both oil and grains, is a major source of high-quality plant proteins for humans. Among various natural disasters affecting soybean production, waterlogging is one of the key factors leading to yield reduction. It can cause root rot and seedling death, and in severe cases, even total crop failure. Given the significant differences in responses to waterlogging stress among different soybean varieties, traditional single-trait indicators are insufficient to comprehensively evaluate flood tolerance. In this study, relative seedling length (RSL) was used as a comprehensive evaluation index for flood tolerance. Using a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) population derived from SN14 and ZYD00006, we successfully identified seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with seed waterlogging tolerance. By integrating RNA-Seq transcriptome sequencing and phenotypic data, the functions of candidate genes were systematically verified. Phenotypic analysis indicated that Suinong14 had significantly better flood tolerance than ZYD00006. Further research revealed that the Glyma.05G160800 gene showed a significantly up-regulated expression pattern in Suinong14; qPCR analysis revealed that this gene exhibits higher expression levels in submergence-tolerant varieties. Haplotype analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between different haplotypes and phenotypic traits. The QTLs identified in this study can provide a theoretical basis for future molecular-assisted breeding of flood-tolerant varieties. Additionally, the functional study of Glyma.05G161800 in regulating seed flood tolerance can offer new insights into the molecular mechanism of seed flood tolerance. These findings could accelerate the development of submergence-tolerant rice varieties, enhancing crop productivity and stability in flood-prone regions. Full article

As a large class of natural organic compounds, vegetable oil is generally composed of 95% fatty acid triglycerides and very few complex non-triglycerides. It has many advantages, such as sufficient yield, low price, distinct structural characteristics, and biodegradability. UV curing technology is known as a new method for the green industry in the 21st century due to its high efficiency, economy, energy conservation, high adaptability, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, UV-curable resins based on UV-curing technology has attracted widespread attention, converting epoxy soybean oil, castor oil, tung oil and other vegetable oils into high-performance plant oil-based UV-curable resins with higher molecular weight, multi-rigid ring and high reactivity, and the curing performance has been greatly improved, and the technology has been widely used in the field of polymer materials such as coatings, inks and adhesives. In this article, the recent research progress on this topic was summarized, and emphasis was put on the research on the resins from soybean oil and castor oil. Full article