Genetius

The study generated an integrated single‑nucleus RNA‑seq and chromatin accessibility (snATAC‑seq) dataset from soybean roots infected with soybean cyst nematodes, profiling over 56,000 nuclei and uncovering distinct syncytial subpopulations with a procambium signature. Analyses revealed transcriptional programs and TF motifs (e.g., CAMTA1 repression of defense genes, MYB and E2F activation of cell‑wall remodeling and DNA replication) underlying syncytium initiation, immune suppression, cell fusion, and endoreduplication.

The study combined single‑cell RNA sequencing, spatial metabolomics, and genetic manipulation to reveal that resistance of soybean (Glycine max) roots to Phytophthora sojae is mediated by pericycle cells that up‑regulate flavonoid biosynthetic genes. CRISPR‑Cas9 knockouts of GmCHS7 and GmCHI4A reduced resistance, while their overexpression and exogenous naringenin application enhanced immunity, indicating a pericycle‑localized flavonoid barrier protects vascular tissue.

The study evaluated a transgenic soybean line (VPZ-34A) expressing Arabidopsis VDE, PsbS, and ZEP genes for combined improvements in light use-efficiency and carbon assimilation under elevated CO2. While VPZ-34A showed enhanced maximum quantum photosynthetic efficiency under fluctuating light, it did not increase carbon assimilation efficiency or seed and biomass yield, and transcriptomic analysis revealed limited gene expression changes. The findings suggest that VPZ-mediated enhancements to photosystem performance do not translate into yield gains under elevated CO2 conditions.

The study investigated how waterlogging and subsequent reoxygenation affect photosynthesis in two soybean cultivars by measuring stomatal conductance, mesophyll conductance, and the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax). Results showed that early waterlogging limited photosynthesis mainly through diffusional constraints (gs and gm), while later reoxygenation introduced biochemical limitations due to reduced Vcmax, indicating that both diffusional conductance and Vcmax are critical for tolerance.

The study examined how early seed development dynamics affect final seed weight in soybean by comparing large- and small-seeded cultivars under normal and depodded conditions. Results showed that longer lag phases and higher cotyledon cell numbers were associated with larger seeds, and that depodding increased cell numbers by accelerating embryo development rather than extending the lag phase. These findings highlight the roles of lag‑phase duration and early embryo growth rate in determining seed size.

The study identified Glyma07g14530, a flavonol 3‑O‑glycosyltransferase (GmF3GlcT), as the gene underlying the soybean QTL-M that confers resistance to leaf‑chewing insects. A premature stop codon in the resistant allele abolishes flavonol glucosylation, causing accumulation of proanthocyanidins and reduced feeding damage; functional assays showed that overexpressing the susceptible allele restores susceptibility, while silencing it confers resistance.

The study combined a five‑week ozone fumigation chamber experiment on soybean (Glycine max) with multi‑year satellite observations to examine how episodic ozone exposure affects leaf‑level photosynthesis and regional crop productivity. Early‑season ozone episodes caused the strongest suppression of CO₂ assimilation, stomatal conductance, and photosystem II efficiency, leading to sustained growth reductions that were detectable via solar‑induced fluorescence (SIF) and MODIS productivity metrics, while cumulative ozone dose was less predictive of yield loss.

The study demonstrates that the soybean Rhg1 resistance locus, known for controlling soybean cyst nematode, also suppresses the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans, as shown in elite varieties and near‑isogenic lines. Co‑inoculation experiments revealed increased P. penetrans populations in SCN‑susceptible genotypes but not in Rhg1‑resistant lines, and while Rhg1 transcript levels and jasmonate signaling were unchanged, a salicylate‑mediated response was amplified during co‑infection.

The study examined how a century of Canadian soybean breeding has impacted shade avoidance responses and associated trade‑offs. Recent cultivars exhibited greater stem elongation and thrips susceptibility under shade‑inducing light, and while yield gains were driven by increased seed allocation and reduced branching, these gains were diminished under shade, indicating that shade avoidance limits breeding progress. The authors suggest breeding for reduced sensitivity to neighbor cues to enhance productivity and resilience.

Soybean aphids (Aphis glycines) suppress jasmonate (JA)–mediated defenses in Glycine max by inducing abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, which antagonizes JA responses. Aphid feeding raises ABA levels, triggers expression of JA‑Ile catabolic genes, and reduces biologically active JA‑Ile, while ABA‑deficient or signaling‑deficient plants retain stronger JA defenses and support fewer aphids. These findings reveal that the ABA pathway is essential for basal JA regulation and is exploited by aphids to promote susceptibility.