Sovetgul Asekova

The current status of forage soybean.

Soybeans have a long history as a nutritious hay and silage crop. Early research extensively investigated forage yield, adaptability to various maturity zones, and nutritional values. Evaluation and breeding with diverse soybean accessions continued to optimize soybean forage yield and quality. There is still interest by breeders in developing more desirable forage soybeans, depending on market demand, and the existing interests of crop and livestock producers. In this review, we provide an update compiled from recent publications on the use and development of soybean as a forage crop.

Mapping QTLs for 100-seed weight in an interspecific soybean cross of Williams 82 (Glycine max) and PI 366121 (Glycine soja)

Abstract. Seed weight can be an important component for soybean quality and yield. The objective of the present study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 100-seed weight by using 169 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross Williams 82 × PI 366121. The parental lines and RILs were grown for four consecutive years (2012–15) in the field. The seeds were harvested after maturity, dried and used to measure 100-seed weight. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among the RILs for 100-seed weight. The environment had significant effect on seed-weight expression as indicated by the genotype × environment interaction. QTL analysis employing inclusive composite interval mapping of additive QTLs implemented in QTL IciMapping (Version 4.1) identified nine QTLs (LOD >3) on chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 8, 13, 14, 17 and 20. The individual QTLs explained phenotypic variation in the range 6.1–12.4%. The QTLs were detected in one or two environments, indicating major influence of the growing environment on seed-weight expression. Four QTLs identified in this study, qSW-02_1, qSW-06_1, qSW-13_1 and qSW-14_1, were found to be new QTLs. The findings of the study may be helpful to reveal the molecular genetic basis of the seed-weight trait in soybean.

Harnessing the potential of forage legumes, alfalfa, soybean, and cowpea for sustainable agriculture and global food security

Substantial improvements in access to food and increased purchasing power are driving many people toward consuming nutrition-rich foods causing an unprecedented demand for protein food worldwide, which is expected to rise further. Forage legumes form an important source of feed for livestock and have potential to provide a sustainable solution for food and protein security. Currently, alfalfa is a commercially grown source of forage and feed in many countries. However, soybean and cowpea also have the potential to provide quality forage and fodder for animal use. The cultivation of forage legumes is under threat from changing climatic conditions, indicating the need for breeding cultivars that can sustain and acclimatize to the negative effects of climate change. Recent progress in genetic and genomic tools have facilitated the identification of quantitative trait loci and genes/alleles that can aid in developing forage cultivars through genomics-assisted breeding. Furthermore, transgenic technology can be utilized to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants to improve forage digestibility for better animal performance. In this article, we assess the genetic potential of three important legume crops, alfalfa, soybean, and cowpea in supplying quality fodder and feed for livestock. In addition, we examine the impact of climate change on forage quality and discuss efforts made in enhancing the adaptation of the plant to the abiotic stress conditions. Subsequently, we suggest the application of integrative approaches to achieve adequate forage production amid the unpredictable climatic conditions.