Gene Editing Boosts Soybean Yield and Protein Content

Chinese scientists used gene editing to produce a soybean variety with increased yield and protein content. Their research may increase domestic soybean production and help with global food security.

Soybeans capture nitrogen from the air for growth and protein production. However, soybean supernodulation mutants display stunting and have reduced yields due to overconsumption of carbon.

To address this issue, researchers from various institutions in China utilized gene editing to develop soybeans with enhanced nodulation ability. The mutant ric1a/2a showed balanced carbon allocation and could capture more carbon and nitrogen from the air. Their findings also demonstrated that the gene-edited crop has slightly higher protein content and 10-20% higher yields. The technology may be used on other soybean varieties and would be tried on other crops, such as alfalfa and peanuts.

For more information, read the article on Nature Plants.