All articles
20 published articles in Soybean Research.
- 9/19/2026
Bio-physical and Bio-chemical Basis of Host Plant Resistance of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Genotypes Against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)
A field trial was conducted to evaluate the field resistance against Spodoptera litura in eighteen genotypes of soybean at Research Farm of Department of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Institute of Soybean Research, Indore (M.P.) during the Kharif 2024. The results revealed that six genotypes viz., CAT-146, G5P22, CAT-47, F4P21, F3P18, and CAT 2503 found effective to combat the menace of S. litura, resulted in minimum larval population. Further, biochemical and biophysical analysis found highest phenol content (CAT-47: 23.13 mg/g), peroxidase (CAT-146: 0.75 min-1g-1), polyphenol (CAT-146: 0.32 min-1g-1), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (F4P21: 1.73 mg/g), protein (CAT-146 and CAT-47: 3.95 mg/g), trichome density on midrib (F4P21: 35.9 mm2), leaf blade (CAT 2503: 33.5 mm2), and leaf lamina (CAT 2503: 33.1 mm2), and specific leaf weight (CAT-146 and CAT-2503: 0.41 g/cm2) for resistant genotypes. On contrary, the susceptible genotypes had higher reducing sugar (JS335: 29.36 mg/g), relative water content (JS335: 34.35 %), chlorophyll a (JS 93-05: 21.52 mg g-1 fw), chlorophyll b (JS 93-05: 13.59 mg g-1 fw) and total chlorophyll (JS 93-05: 35.11 mg g-1 fw). These biophysical and biochemical components in soybean can be effectively utilized in breeding for resistance against S. litura. The larval population of S. litura has shown significant positive correlation with reducing sugar (0.751**), relative water content (0.871**), chlorophyll A (0.668**), chlorophyll B (0.698) and total chlorophyll (0.707**), while significant negative correlation was observed for phenol (-0.710**), peroxidase (-0.647**), polyphenol oxidase (-0.637**), protein (-0.771**), trichome density midrib (-0.695**), leaf blade (-0.742**), leaf lamina (-0.779**) and specific leaf weight (-0.594**). Non-significant correlation was observed between S. litura larval population and PAL (-0.504).
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Seasonal Incidence of Major Pests of Soybean and its Correlation with Weather Parameters
The field experiment was undertaken to study seasonal incidence of major pests of soybean during Kharif season 2023-2024. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Entomology, VNMKV, Parbhani. The results revealed that first appearance of tobacco leaf eating caterpillar (S. litura) was recorded during 32nd SMW (0.67 larvae/mrl). Highest infestation was recorded in 36th SMW i.e. 3.23 larvae/mrl, after that infestation was reduced. The incidence of H. armigera was also observed low to medium. First appearance of H. armigera was recorded during 33rd SMW (0.61 larvae/mrl). The incidence of semilooper started from 32nd SMW and recorded 2.66 larvae/mrl. Thereafter, the population increased gradually and was observed highest during 36th SMW (5.23 larvae/mrl). The incidence of girdle beetle was negligible and not observed in the experimental trial. The incidence of stem fly was negligible and not observed in the experimental field. The incidence of white flies was first observed during 32nd SMW (1.6 whiteflies/three leaves/plant) and reached a peak of 7.61 whiteflies/three leaves/plant during 37th SMW. Leaf hopper was noticed from 33rd SMW up to harvesting at 41st SMW and recorded highest population (3.6 leaf hoppers/three leaves) during 39th SMW. First appearance of lady bird beetle was observed (0.53/mrl) during 33rd SMW and recorded highest population (2.63/mrl) during 34th SMW. Spiders were observed during the initial stage of the crop and recorded 0.36 spiders/mrl during 32nd SMW and highest population (4.63 spiders/mrl) during 37th SMW.
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Efficacy of Some Newer Insecticides Against Major Insect Pests of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
The present investigation titled “Efficacy of some newer insecticides against major insect pests of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and their natural enemies” was conducted during the Kharif 2024-25 at the experimental field of the Department of Entomology, ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh (India). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of selected insecticides, alongside their impact on natural enemies. Efficacy trials involving nine insecticidal treatments indicated that M. sojae was most effectively controlled by Thiamethoxam 75% SG, resulting in the lowest stem tunnelling, followed by Flubendiamide 39.35% SC. O. brevis was best managed by Thiacloprid 21.7% SC, which was very effective with the minimum plant infestation after the first and second spray. C. acuta and S. litura were best controlled by Spinetoram 11.7% SC, with the lowest larval population, followed by Tetraniliprole. In terms of natural enemies' conservation, Spinetoram and Indoxacarb 14.8% SC supported the highest population, while Acetamiprid and Emamectin benzoate 5% SG recorded the lowest. The study provides important insights for integrated pest management in soybean agroecosystems.
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Profitability of Soybean-Wheat Cropping System under Permanent Broad Bed Furrow System in Madhya Pradesh: Evidence from Farmers’ Fields
Soybean productivity has stagnated in recent years, primarily due to abiotic stress, including climatic aberrations such as erratic rainfall patterns that cause both waterlogging and drought stress, as well as biotic stress from weed, disease, and pest infestations. This study assesses the impact of the Permanent Broad Bed Furrow (PBBF) technology, which is helpful in this condition. Data on yield and cost of cultivation were collected from major soybean producing districts in Madhya Pradesh and analysed using a paired t-test. The average soybean yield in demonstration plots was 5.32 quintals per acre, representing a 25.2% increase over the control plots (4.28 q/acre). The PBBF technology led to a 5.3% reduction in the average cost of cultivation. The economic returns of PBBF technology under the soybean-wheat system were substantially higher compared to conventional practices. The findings establish that the PBBF technology is a potent climate-resilient solution that not only mitigates weather-related risks but also significantly enhances the productivity and profitability of the soybean-wheat system. The study advocates for the large-scale promotion of this technology through supportive policies and extension services to achieve sustainable intensification of the soybean-based cropping system.
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Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merrill] and Their Natural Enemies
The present investigation titled “Seasonal incidence of some major insect pests of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and their natural enemies” was conducted during the Kharif 2024-25 at the experimental field of the Department of Entomology, ICAR-National Soybean Research Institute, Indore, Madhya Pradesh (India). The study aimed to evaluate the seasonal incidence of major insect pests. Observation revealed that the population of tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) peaked with 16.00 larvae/meter row length (l/mrl) in the 33rd Standard Meteorological Week (SMW), showing a significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r = +0.56). The green semilooper (Chrysodeixis acuta) reached its maximum density (3.36 l/mrl) in the 34th SMW, positively correlated with maximum temperature (r = 0.53). Whereas peak infestation of the girdle beetle (Obereopsis brevis) and stem fly (Melanagromyza sojae) were recorded in the 37th SMW (3.72%) and 34th SMW (18.10%), respectively, with stem fly showing a significant negative correlation with minimum temperature (r = -0.55). Entomopathogenic fungal activity peaked in the 36th SMW (4.10 l/mrl), though no significant correlation with abiotic factors was observed. Spider population peaked at 1.42 spiders/mrl in the 40th SMW, showing a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = +0.56). The study provides important insights for integrated pest management in soybean agroecosystems.
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SSR Marker-Based Genetic Diversity Analysis of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Genotypes for Germplasm Characterization and Parental Selection
Assessment of genetic diversity is essential for the effective utilization of soybean germplasm in breeding programmes. The present study evaluated the genetic diversity among 32 soybean genotypes using 34 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. All markers successfully amplified the target loci, generating 82 amplicons, of which 42 were polymorphic, resulting in an overall polymorphism of 51.21%. The markers Satt-149, Satt-235, and Satt-640 exhibited 100% polymorphism and the highest polymorphism information content (PIC), demonstrating superior discriminatory ability among the genotypes. PIC values ranged from 0.18 to 0.74, with a mean of 0.46, indicating moderate to high marker informativeness. Genetic similarity estimated using Jaccard's coefficient ranged from 0.33 to 0.87. The lowest similarity was observed between JS-335 and IVT-22, identifying them as the most genetically divergent genotypes, whereas IVT-25 and IVT-37 showed the highest similarity. UPGMA cluster analysis grouped the 32 genotypes into two major clusters, reflecting their genetic relationships and breeding history. The moderate level of genetic diversity detected among the soybean genotypes demonstrates the effectiveness of SSR markers for germplasm characterization and parental selection. The genetically divergent genotypes identified in this study represent valuable genetic resources for germplasm enhancement, parental selection, and the development of genetically diverse breeding populations, thereby supporting future soybean improvement programmes.
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Bioefficacy of Insecticides Against Tobacco Leaf Eating Caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) of Soybean
The investigations on "Bioefficacy of insecticides against tobacco leaf eating caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) of soybean" was carried out at AICRP on soybean, V.N.M.K.V Parbhani, Maharashtra (India) during Kharif 2024. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments. Assessment of insecticidal efficacy at 7 DAT after 2nd spraying, Spodoptera larvae were not observed in treatment T6 Spinetoram 11.70 % SC. and T7 Chlorantraniliprole 18.50 % SC. However, it was found at par with treatments T5 Flubendiamide 39.35 % w/w SC & T8 Tetraniliprole 18.18% SC (0.11 larvae/mrl, each), T4 Emamectin benzoate 1.90 % EC (0.22 larvae/mrl), T3 Indoxacarb 15.80 % EC (0.33 larvae/mrl) and T2 Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.90 % (0.33 larvae/mrl). These treatments were followed by treatment T1 Profenofos 50 % EC (0.44 larvae/mrl). However at 14 DAT after second spray revealed that Spodoptera larvae were not observed in treatments T4 Emamectin benzoate 1.90 % EC, T5 Flubendiamide 39.35 % w/w SC, T6 Spinetoram 11.70 % SC, T7 Chlorantraniliprole 18.50 % SC and T8 Tetraniliprole 18.18% SC. However, these treatments were found at par with treatments T3 Indoxacarb 15.80 % EC (0.11 larvae/mrl), T2 Lambda-cyhalothrin 4.90 % CS (0.22 larvae/mrl) and T1 Profenofos 50 % EC (0.33 larvae/mrl). Highest of 0.89 larvae/mrl were observed in untreated control.
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Screening of Soybean Genotypes Against Stem Fly and Girdle Beetle
Field trial was conducted in kharif 2024-25 at AICRP on Soybean, VNMKV, Parbhani (M.S.). Total 20 genotypes were screened against stem borers viz., stem fly and girdle beetle. Against girdle beetle, overall infestation was ranged from 8.53% to 29.65%. Among 20 genotypes, lowest of 8.53% infestation was recorded in genotype JS 95-60 and was categorized as resistant (R) against girdle beetle. Twelve genotypes showed moderate resistance (MR) including JS 21-72 (11.09%), MACS 1520 (11.15%), KDS 726 (12.10%), DLSb 1 (12.60%), DS 3108 (12.58%), RVSM 2011-35 (12.69%), MAUS 612 (13.80%) and DSb 23 (13.90%). Four genotypes were low resistant (LR), two susceptible (S) and maximum infestation was recorded in RVS 13-20 (29.65%) and was found highly susceptible (HS) against girdle beetle. Stem fly infestation was ranged from 15.36% to 44.87%. Among 20 genotypes, JS 95-60 (15.36%) and JS 21-72 (17.16%) were recorded lowest infestation and found resistant (R) against stem fly. Six genotypes viz., DS 3108 (27.46%), MAUS 731 (28.31%), NRC 130 (22.98%), RVS 13-20 (28.82%), SKF-SPS-11 (27.28%) and MAUS 158 (18.36%) were moderately resistant (MR). Twelve genotypes were low resistant (LR). Highest infestation was recorded in genotype RVS 2007-06 (44.87%) and found low resistant (LR) against stem fly.
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Recent Advances in Soybean Genome Editing: CRISPR Technologies, Precision Editors and Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Gene Editing
Soybean (Glycine max) improvement is increasingly constrained by climate variability, limited genetic diversity and the long timelines of conventional breeding. Recent advances in genome editing, particularly expanded CRISPR–Cas systems, precision editing approaches such as base and prime editing, and DNA-free delivery strategies, now enable efficient and targeted modification of endogenous genes directly in elite soybean backgrounds. These developments have accelerated functional validation and trait engineering for seed quality, plant architecture and stress tolerance. In parallel, artificial intelligence and machine-learning approaches are emerging as important tools for candidate gene prioritisation, guide RNA design and off-target risk assessment. This review summarises recent technological developments in soybean genome editing, highlights major gene targets and traits, and discusses current editing platforms together with emerging AI-driven strategies that are shaping precision breeding in soybean.
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The Power of Soy: Health Benefits of Soybean Fermented and Novel Food Products
Soybean seeds are rich in protein, oils, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that benefit human health. Despite its health benefits, it cannot be consumed directly due to intrinsic antinutritional factors (ANFs). Traditional fermentation practices employed in Asian and Northeastern India offer a promising solution by enhancing digestibility and potentially unlocking additional health benefits. This review comprehensively examines the diverse landscape of fermented soy foods (SFFs) across these regions, focusing on their background, manufacturing processes, and the microbial communities driving their unique characteristics. We explore the natural microflora involved, including bacteria (Bacillus spp.) and molds (Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp.), and their role in generating bioactive compounds that contribute to human health. The importance of controlled fermentation with specific starter cultures is also discussed to optimize health benefits and minimize spoilage risks. Overviews of the bioactive compounds released by these fermenting microorganisms and their role in human health. The roles of spoilage and toxin-producing microorganisms, as well as of antimicrobial microorganisms, have been discussed. Furthermore, the review examined the recent surge in novel fermented soy foods (NFSFs), driven by consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, and their potential health benefits associated with specific strains and fermentation techniques. We highlighted the functional properties of NFSFs and their potential applications in diverse food categories. Breeding for fermented food-grade and vegetable-type soybean varieties was discussed. Finally, we explored the challenges and future directions for NFSF research and development, focusing on scalability, consumer acceptance, and the need for robust scientific data on health benefits.
Read article → - 9/17/2026
Screening of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Genotypes for Resistance to Rhizoctonia Aerial Blight Caused by Rhizoctonia solani under Nagaland Conditions
Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an important crop worldwide, but its productivity is constrained by Rhizoctonia aerial blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani. The present study evaluated 54 soybean genotypes, including three check varieties, for resistance to Rhizoctonia aerial blight under natural field conditions. None of the genotypes showed an immune response; however, genotypes exhibited resistant, moderately resistant, and moderately susceptible reactions. The mean per cent disease index (PDI) ranged from 1.66% to 28.96%, with the lowest PDI recorded in AMS 24-7 (1.66%) and the highest in SL 1442 (28.96%). Similarly, the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was lowest in AMS 24-7 (20.81) and highest in SL 1442 (237.43). Disease severity showed a negative and highly significant correlation with minimum temperature and maximum relative humidity. These findings identify promising genotypes for resistance breeding.
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A Sequential Screening Scheme for Selection of Vegetable-Type (Edamame) Soybean: Characterization of Bold-Seeded AVRDC Accessions for Pod, Seed, And Sensory Traits at R6 Stage
Bold-seeded vegetable-type soybean accessions from AVRDC, Taiwan were characterized at R6 stage (kharif 2018-19; field evaluation at UAS, Bengaluru and laboratory analyses at ICAR-IISR, Indore) for pod, seed, biochemical and sensory traits to derive a practical selection scheme for Indian edamame breeding. Wide variability was recorded (100-pod weight 100-516 g; 100-seed fresh weight 18.1-141 g; TSS 4.0-7.8 °Brix). Principal component analysis (52 accessions) showed pod-and-seed boldness as the dominant axis (44.2% of variation), independent of sweetness. 100-pod weight predicted 100-seed weight (R² = 0.53), and the non-destructive criterion of 100-pod weight ≥ 300 g with pod length ≥ 5 cm classified bold-seeded lines with 83 per cent accuracy. A four-stage sequential scheme (visual → pod boldness → TSS ≥ 6 °Brix → sensory panel) narrowed 116 accessions to five candidates (EC 916036, EC 916033, EC 915907, EC 916037, EC 916039) recommended for replicated evaluation and hybridization.
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Revelation of Genetic Diversity in Advanced Breeding Lines of Soybean using Principal Component Analysis
The present investigation was carried out to examine the genetic variability and important yield-affecting characteristics of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The experiment was conducted at JNKVV, Jabalpur, during the Kharif season of 2022, with 30 advanced breeding lines and five national checks in a randomized block design with three replications. PCA helped us to simplify the data and identify the most essential traits contributing to yield. The analysis revealed that three principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues greater than 1.00 explained 86.3% of the total variability among the studied traits. PC1, which accounted for 67.7% of the variation, was linked to seed yield per plant, primary branches per plant, days to maturity, days to 50% flowering, number of seeds per plant, number of pods per plant, harvest index, and biological yield per plant. PC2 and PC3, contributing 10.0% and 8.6% of the variation, respectively, were associated with the number of clusters per plant, pods per plant, 100-seed weight, and days to 50% flowering. High PC scores in these components indicated genotypes with significant variability, notably JS 25-37, JS 25-31, JS 25-39 for PC1, JS 25-22, JS 25-47 for PC2, and JS 25-45, JS 25-33 for PC3. These findings underscore the importance of these genotypes and traits for targeted breeding programs to enhance soybean yield.
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Efficacy of Seed Treatment and Foliar Application of New-Generation Fungicides for the Management of Anthracnose Caused by Colletotrichum Truncatum in Soybean
Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schw.) Andrus and Moore is one of the most destructive diseases of soybean in India, resulting in considerable yield losses. The present investigation was conducted during Kharif 2023 at JNKVV, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), to evaluate the field efficacy of four fungicides (eight treatments) applied as seed treatment (ST), foliar spray (FS), and their combinations for the management of soybean anthracnose. All fungicidal treatments significantly reduced disease severity, disease incidence, pod infection and Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), while improving plant health and grain yield over the untreated control. Among the treatments, T8 [ST Penflufen 13.28% w/w + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% w/w @ 1.25 ml kg⁻¹ seed + FS Tebuconazole 10% + Sulphur 65% WG @ 2 g l⁻¹ water] recorded the lowest anthracnose severity (5.37%) compared with the untreated control (23.33%). This treatment was followed by T7 [ST Penflufen 13.28% w/w + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% w/w @ 1.25 ml kg⁻¹ seed + FS Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% @ 2 g l⁻¹ water] (5.93%) and T6 [ST Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS @ 2.5 g kg⁻¹ seed + FS Tebuconazole 10% + Sulphur 65% WG @ 2 g l⁻¹ water] (6.76%), which were statistically at par with T8. The highest plant stand was recorded with seed treatment of Penflufen 13.28% w/w + Trifloxystrobin 13.28% w/w (79.52%) compared with the untreated control (67.62%). Maximum grain yield was obtained in T8 (1310.53 kg ha⁻¹) followed by T7 (1278.87 kg ha⁻¹). Seed treatment combined with foliar application of fungicides also significantly improved plant growth parameters and seed weight over the untreated control. The study demonstrated that the integration of seed treatment with Penflufen + Trifloxystrobin and foliar application of Tebuconazole + Sulphur or Carbendazim + Mancozeb provides effective management of soybean anthracnose under field conditions.
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Sustaining Soybean Acreage in India with Break-Even and Iso-Return Analysis of Crop Dynamics in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
Soybean is a major kharif oilseed crop in India, with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra together accounting for about 85% of the country's soybean area. However, soybean acreage has declined in these states in recent years, alongside the expansion of competing crops, particularly maize. This study assessed the economic competitiveness of soybean vis-à-vis maize and paddy in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra using secondary data for 2023–24. Break-even price analysis and an iso-return framework were used to estimate the soybean price required to generate returns equivalent to those of competing crops under Cost A2, Cost A2+FL, and Cost C2. The results revealed a considerable competitive disadvantage for soybean relative to maize in both states. At a maize price of ₹2,090/qtl, the break-even soybean price under Cost A2 was ₹5,710/qtl in Madhya Pradesh and ₹7,065/qtl in Maharashtra, compared with the soybean MSP of ₹4,600/qtl. Against paddy priced at ₹2,183/qtl, the corresponding break-even soybean price in Madhya Pradesh was ₹6,719/qtl. In contrast, soybean was relatively competitive with paddy in Maharashtra under the specified price, cost and yield conditions. The analysis also showed that the soybean-to-competing-crop price ratio required for equal returns is not constant but varies with relative prices, yields and production costs. The findings support a cross-commodity approach to soybean price policy, supplemented by region-specific interventions to improve productivity and reduce production costs.
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Screening of Soybean Genotypes/Varieties for Resistant Against Major Insect-Pests and Classification into Resistance Groups Based on Yield Potential and Loss
In search of host plant resistance against defoliators and girdle beetle, thirteen genotypes/varieties of soybean from normal maturity group were screened at Agricultural Research Station, Kota under AICRP on Soybean during kharif 2022. These genotypes/varieties were classified into resistance groups based on their natural yield potential and yield loss due to defoliators and girdle beetle using 'maximin-minimax' method. Accordingly, genotypes NRC 189, NRC 192 and check RVSM 2011-35 as resistant high yielding whereas genotype RSC 11-42 and check AMS 100-39 were tolerant against prevailing insect pest complex. The remaining genotypes/varieties were found susceptible low yielding.
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Integrative Genetic Diversity and Disease Resistance Analysis for Identification of superior Genotypes in soybean
A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2024 at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, to evaluate 30 soybean genotypes for genetic divergence, yield, quality traits, and resistance to Rhizoctonia aerial blight and bacterial blight under natural field conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications, and data were analysed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics, Tocher's clustering, and percent disease index (PDI). The genotypes were grouped into four clusters, showing substantial genetic variability, with Cluster I found early maturing and Cluster IV high yielding. The maximum inter-cluster distance between Clusters II and III indicated good scope for hybridization. Branches per plant contributed most to divergence, followed by days to maturity and plant height. BAUS(M)-15 showed complete resistance to both diseases, while BAUS(M)-11 recorded the highest yield with good oil and protein content. The study identified BAUS(M)-15, BAUS(M)-11, BAUS-102, MACS-1140, and BAUS-103 as promising parents for soybean improvement.
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Interactive Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria on Nodulation, Growth and Yield of Soybean Under Field Conditions
Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill), a major source of edible oil and protein, is a globally important legume; microbial inoculation offers a sustainable approach to enhance its productivity while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. A two-year field experiment was conducted during the kharif seasons for evaluation of the interactive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on nodulation, nutrient uptake, growth, and yield of soybean (cv. JS 95-60). The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design using a mixed AMF inoculum (Glomus intraradices, G. geosporum, and G. mosseae), two PGPR strains-Paenibacillus polymyxa (HKA-15, IARI) and Burkholderia arboris (NSRI) and their combinations. Nodulation, leghaemoglobin content, and mycorrhizal colonization were assessed at 50% flowering, while nutrient uptake and grain yield were recorded at harvest. Across both years, microbial inoculation significantly improved nodulation, mycorrhizal colonization, nitrogen uptake, and grain yield as compared to uninoculated control. Co-inoculation of AMF with P. polymyxa consistently recorded the highest nodule number, nodule biomass, leghaemoglobin content, and shoot nitrogen uptake, demonstrating a strong synergistic interaction. AMF alone recorded the highest root colonization and significantly increased grain nitrogen content and total nitrogen uptake during the first year. In the second year, AMF + P. polymyxa also achieved the highest phosphorus uptake and grain yield, while B. arboris alone improved grain nitrogen and phosphorus content. During the first year, although AMF + P. polymyxa exhibited increased nodulation and nutrient acquisition, grain yield was statistically non-significant with AMF + B. arboris. Numerically, AMF + B. arboris recorded the highest yield (1058.51 kg ha⁻¹; 54.06% above the control), followed by AMF + P. polymyxa (1004.42 kg ha⁻¹; 46.19% above the control). These findings demonstrated the compatibility between microbial partners and is more critical than inoculant diversity for maximizing soybean productivity and highlight the potential of AMF_PGPR co-inoculation as a sustainable biofertilizer strategy for enhancing nutrient use efficiency, yield, and soil health.
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Genome Editing and Precision Breeding Strategies for Sustainable Soybean Improvement
The drawbacks of input-heavy agricultural growth - such as stagnant yields, environmental degradation and climate vulnerability - have made it necessary to reorient global agricultural strategy toward productivity gains that are also environmentally sustainable. This shift, widely termed the Second Green Revolution, emphasizes sustainable intensification: higher and more stable yields with a smaller environmental footprint, more efficient resource use, and greater resilience to biotic and abiotic stress. Genome editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas-based precision breeding, is examined here as the primary technological driver of this transition in the Indian context, because it enables targeted, often transgene-free trait improvement under a comparatively streamlined regulatory pathway (SDN-1/SDN-2). The three-decade global experience with genetically modified (GM) crops is discussed only as comparative background - both as an evidence base on the agronomic, economic and environmental performance of transgenic technologies, and as a policy lesson on the regulatory and public-acceptance challenges that genome editing must navigate differently. This paper positions India's recent genome-editing milestones (genome-edited rice, the approval of DMH-11 mustard, and progress in soybean genome editing) alongside a critical, evidence-based comparison of conventional breeding, transgenic (GM) crops and genome editing, with soybean developed as the central case study given its strategic importance to India's edible-oil security. It argues that genome editing, integrated with sound agronomic practice and transparent, policy-aligned governance, offers a scientifically grounded and practically feasible route to sustainable agricultural transformation in India.
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Nutrient Deficiency in Soybean: Causes, Symptoms and Management Strategies for Sustainable Productivity
Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a globally important legume crop valued for its high protein and oil content. As a nutrient-demanding plant, soybean requires a balanced supply of macro and micronutrients for optimum growth, nodulation and productivity. Nutrient deficiencies adversely affect key physiological and biochemical processes, including photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, enzyme activities and metabolite synthesis, leading to significant yield reductions. Nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies impair chlorophyll synthesis, energy metabolism and protein content, while potassium deficiency reduces stress tolerance and seed quality. Micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum alter chloroplast development, enzyme functions and reproductive success, resulting in poor nodulation, low seed set, and reduced oil and protein accumulation. Beyond individual impacts, combined deficiencies often exacerbate stress responses and further limit productivity. Recent advances highlight the role of innovative strategies such as nutrient priming, foliar supplementation, nano fertilizers and the use of nutrient-efficient soybean genotypes in overcoming these limitations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological, biochemical and agronomic effects of nutrient deficiencies in soybean, with emphasis on their impact on yield and seed quality and outlines potential management and research directions for sustainable production under nutrient-limited conditions.
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