Project Number: 3611-21000-020-02
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 01, 2005
End Date: Mar 31, 2008

Objective:
To identify oil and meal traits that improve the quality and subsequent competitiveness of U.S. soybeans as outlined by the Better Bean Initiative.

Approach:
The proposed studies focus on seed protein content (SPC) and composition (content of specific glycinin isoforms) as critical factors associated with seed quality. We will build on preliminary results that suggest the high SPC phenotype involves higher rates of amino acid uptake into developing cotyledons and that certain amino acids are not only subdstrates but also "signals" controlling seed composition, and perhaps can be used as 'markers' for high SPC during seed development. We will also explore variation in seed composition as a function of canopy position. Preliminary results suggest that there is genetic control over positional effects on seed composition, and that changes in SPC and fatty acid composition (PUFA) are controlled in a coordinated manner. Identifying genetic control for this trait may provide an approach to producing cultivars less sensitive to environmental factors and thereby stabilize seed composition. Finally, we will use 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry to determine whether there is variation in the isoforms of glycinin (major storage protein) that accumulate in seeds, and if so, whether this may influence protein quality.