UA Scientists Study Genetics and Physiology of Soybeans to Increase Dryland Yields

Crop physiologist Larry Purcell and Pengyin Chin of the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture have found evidence that prolonged nitrogen fixation and delayed wilting to be the key traits for improving soybean yields under moderate drought conditions. In a field demonstration, the researchers found that high rates of nitrogen fertilizer resulted to an 18 percent increase in soybean yield under moderate drought stress. Selected soybean genotypes with high nitrogen fixation under drought conditions were crossed with Arkansas breeding lines and two soybean germplasm lines R01-416F and R01-581F were subsequently released.

Building on the earlier research by USDA researcher Tommy Carter who first observed exotic soybean genotypes that had delayed wilting under stress as a means to increase drought tolerance, Purcell and Chin developed soybean breeding lines with delayed wilting during drought. The lines with delayed wilting habit have higher yields during drought stress. The researchers developed genetic markers to screen breeding lines for the delayed wilting trait and will be combining the prolonged nitrogen fixation and delayed wilting traits into a single improved breeding line to better withstand droughts.

For details, read the story at http://arkansasagnews.uark.edu/4859.htm