Invention:
This technology is a method to increase protein content in soybeans using fast neutron mutagenesis. Researchers investigated the effects on soybean seed composition and gene expression encountered in transgenically modified and mutagenized crops and found several lines that germinated well, had no apparent agronomic issues, and continually produced high protein. The approaches used in this innovation will test the range of seed phenotype variation that can be produced from transgenic or mutagenesis that will yield data to establish the comparative improvement potential in soybean production.
Background:
Soybean is one of the world’s most important protein and oil crops, used for animal feed, food for humans, and biodiesel. Crop management to protect from pests, weeds, and disease is a major challenge, and herbicide- and pesticide-resistant weeds further challenges. Genetic engineering and mutagenesis are two primary methods to introduce or enhance agronomic traits in crops that can help with both pest-resistance and product improvement.
Applications:
- Agriculture and crop production
- Food industry
- Livestock feed
Advantages:
- Enhanced nutritional profile
- Reduces costs to produce
