Researchers Identify Soybean Gene Enhancing Yield and Quality

A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' South China Botanical Garden, led by Prof. HOU Xingliang, has identified a gene that can enhance both the yield and quality of soybeans. The gene Seed Weight 14 (SW14) was identified using a combination of Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping.

The SW14 gene was found to positively influence seed weight and protein content while simultaneously reducing oil content, all without negatively affecting other important agronomic traits of the plant. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, also sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind the gene's function. The SW14 gene interacts with a key regulator of seed development, disrupting a complex that is crucial for the process of transcriptional activation. This detailed understanding of how the gene works provides a clear pathway for its application in future crop breeding programs.

The researchers also found that a superior variant of the SW14 gene, called SW14H3, was already selected by farmers during the domestication of soybeans. This finding confirms the potential of the gene to be used for improving soybean yield in modern agriculture. The research, supported by major Chinese national programs, offers a promising genetic tool to address global food security challenges by developing more productive and nutritious soybean crops.

For more details, read the article in the Chinese Academy of Sciences Newsroom.