Volume 23, Number 1

The Power of Soy: Health Benefits of Soybean Fermented and Novel Food Products

Hemant S. Maheshwari, Neha Pandey, Loitongbam Sophia Devi, Punam Kuchlan, Kunwar Harendra Singh, Sanjeev Kumar, Deepika Parmar, Aayushi Singh, Palak Solanki and Mahaveer Prasad Sharma

pp. 1–18

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.

Recent Advances in Soybean Genome Editing: CRISPR Technologies, Precision Editors and Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Gene Editing

Manjeet Puntambekar, Aruna Tiwari, Giriraj Kumawat, Sanjay Gupta, Viraj Kamble, K. H. Singh and Milind B. Ratnaparkhe

pp. 19–26

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.

Screening of Soybean Genotypes Against Stem Fly and Girdle Beetle

P.V. Bhagat, F. S. Khan, R. S. Jadhav, P. R. Puri and D.R. Kshirsagar

pp. 27–30

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.

Bioefficacy of Insecticides Against Tobacco Leaf Eating Caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) of Soybean

R. R. Wargane, R. S. Jadhav, F. S. Khan, S. D. Patil and D. R. Kadam

pp. 31–35