Novel Gene for Salt Tolerance Found in Wild Soybean

Researchers have identified a gene of wild soybean linked to salt tolerance that could help soybean grow in saline soil. The research team include experts from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, BGI and other institutes.

The research team discovered a novel ion transporter gene, GmCHX1, and suggested it is related to salt tolerance, and that it acted probably through lowering the Na+/K+ ratio. The team assumed that the elimination of GmCHX1 in salt-sensitive germplasms may be an example of negative selection against a stress tolerance gene in unstressed environments.

For more details, read the news release at http://www.genomics.cn/en/news/show_news?nid=104052.