CRIS Project: SOYBEAN BREEDING

2008 Outcomes & Impacts

The gene symbols cqPha-001 and cqPha-002 were approved in 2008 by the Soybean Genetics Committee for our research that contributed to discovery of the first confirmed genomic regions governing soybean seed phytate concentration. We are applying that knowledge for molecular marker assisted selection to develop a low phytate soybean variety for enhanced poultry and swine nutrition and water quality protection from phosphorous loads. A total of 4,349 field plots were conducted at Tennessee Research and Education Centers by our program in 2008. These comprised conventional (non-GMO) soybean lines or soybean lines with resistance to glyphosate herbicide. A total of 9 advanced TN lines were entered in the USDA Southern Regional Preliminary and Uniform Tests in 2008, and two of our varieties, 5002T and 5601T, continue to serve as high yield checks for regional tests in the USDA Southern Regional Testing Program. Sixteen new TN lines (2 conventional and 14 glyphosate resistant) were entered in the 2008 TN State Variety Test. Our program is actively developing soybeans as new varieties for producers or as germplasm lines to provide important genetic stocks for soybean breeders in other universities, the USDA, and industry. Our 2008 crossing program accomplished 57 new combinations to target a unique yield genomics research project; resistance to SCN; 1% linolenic acid for zero trans-fat oil; 3% linolenic acid for reduced trans-fat oil; low phytate for improved poultry and swine feed; and soy biodiesel enhancement. We targeted a conventional crossing program in 2008 with 19 new hybrid combinations, and a herbicide resistant crossing program with 38 hybrid combinations of new resistance technologies. We continue to develop availability options for both non-GMO and Roundup Ready® lines for Tennessee producers. Soybean productivity is a complex process. Production gains are achieved through multi-faceted research, development, and application including areas such as agricultural engineering improvements, agronomic management practices, and superior strategies and chemical formulations for weed control, pesticides, fungicides, and seed treatments. Genetic gains represent more than half of all improvements combined for crop productivity. An estimated $3.9 Million increase in direct revenue, to all Tennessee soybean farmers combined, will accrue each year by genetic gains accomplished through plant breeding, and our program contributes perhaps 10% of that impact. The value is based on an approximated annual genetic gain of 0.35 bushels per acre per year, grown over 1.3 million acres of TN soybeans with a crop cash value of $8.50 per bushel. Farmer best management practices will further bolster the full production gains of new varieties, and soybean shipment, storage, crushing plants and biodiesel processing plants in Tennessee further multiply the value of this vital crop to our state’s economy. Our plant breeding research and development of new soybean varieties provides real value to Tennessee soybean producers.

2008 Research Report

In 2008, the University of Tennessee Soybean Breeding & Genetics program of the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station released a new glyphosate resistant soybean variety ‘USG 74T98’ (marketed by UniSouth Genetics Inc., headquartered in Nashville TN). Our new soybean variety USG 74T98 ranked #4 for seed yield exceeding the average of 86 maturity group (MG) IV commercial varieties by 3 Bu/A, averaged over eight environments in the 2008 Tennessee State Variety Test. Our new glyphosate resistant soybean variety ‘USG Allen’, developed by our program through molecular breeding, and which topped the yield tests last year, was well received by farmers who planted an estimated 31,000 acres in 2008, with over 100,000 acres anticipated for 2009. An additional 9,000 acres was planted in 2008 in two other glyphosate resistant varieties (USG 56293 and USG 56379) developed by our program, and 4,300 acres were planted in our conventional soybean varieties (USG 5601T and USG 5002T).  In March 2008 the USDA released results of the Southern Uniform Testing program where we participate in regional tests together with university and USDA breeders spanning from Maryland through Texas, with each breeder submitting their best new genetic materials for testing. Our newly developed early Group IV line, TN05-8733RR ranked #1 for seed yield in the USDA Group IVe Uniform Preliminary Test, averaging 52 Bu/A over all southern locations, more than 8 Bu/A superior to the test mean. This new glyphosate resistant soybean line was evaluated in the 2008 Tennessee State Variety Test 4e, where it ranked #2 of 44 commercial varieties, significantly exceeding the commercial average by 4 Bu/A. This new line provides strong resistance to Race 3 and Race 14 of soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the most prevalent economic pest to soybean. We also moved forward production seed increases of another newly developed early Group V line, TN06-140RR which was tested in the 2008 Tennessee State Variety Test 4e, where it ranked #2 of 70 commercial varieties, significantly exceeding the commercial average by 5 Bu/A.   These are examples of our program’s commitment to stakeholder impact to produce real-world results. In addition to direct outputs of new varieties, University of Tennessee soybean genetics are utilized as crossing parents by breeders in USDA, other universities, and in industry to bolster seed yields and plant disease resistance.