Volume 23, Number 1
Volume 23, Number 1 (2025)
2025 · 10 articles
In this issue
Review Articles
- 01pp. 1–18
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.
- 02pp. 19–26
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.
Research Papers
- 03pp. 27–30
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.
- 04pp. 31–35
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
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.
- 05pp. 36–43
SSR Marker-Based Genetic Diversity Analysis of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) Genotypes for Germplasm Characterization and Parental Selection
Amit Adsul
pp. 36–43
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.
- 06pp. 44–49
Seasonal Incidence of Major Insect Pests of Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merrill] and Their Natural Enemies
Neha Alawa, Shivpal Solanki, Rajkumar Malviya, Lokesh Kumar Meena and Anand Harshana
pp. 44–49
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.
- 07pp. 50–56
Profitability of Soybean-Wheat Cropping System under Permanent Broad Bed Furrow System in Madhya Pradesh: Evidence from Farmers’ Fields
R. K. Verma, Raghavendra Nargund, Nita Khandekar, L. K. Meena, Vishal S Thorat, Nilesh Patkar and K. H. Singh
pp. 50–56
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.
- 08pp. 57–61
Efficacy of Some Newer Insecticides Against Major Insect Pests of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Neha Alawa, Shivpal Solanki, Pravin Nikum, Lokesh Kumar Meena and Anand Harshana
pp. 57–61
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.
- 09pp. 62–64
Seasonal Incidence of Major Pests of Soybean and its Correlation with Weather Parameters
P. K. Kawhale, D. R. Kadam, R. S. Jadhav and R. S. Salve
pp. 62–64
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.
- 10pp. 65–73
Bio-physical and Bio-chemical Basis of Host Plant Resistance of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Genotypes Against Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)
Khushbu Kumawat, Shivpal Solanki, Lokesh Kumar Meena, DK Suryawanshi and Anand Harshana
pp. 65–73
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).