Quantitative trait locus analysis for soybean (Glycine max) seed protein and oil concentrations using selected breeding populations

Soybean seed protein and oil concentrations are important traits that directly affect the quality of soyfoods. Many studies and breeding programmes have been conducted to find major quantitative trait loci (QTL) that regulate protein and oil concentrations and to develop soybean cultivars with high protein and/or oil content. The purpose of this study was to identify these QTL using a selected breeding population. The population was tested in field conditions over a period of 3 years. Seed protein and oil concentrations were measured each year. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct genetic map using a 180K SoyaSNP array, which identified 1,570 SNPs. We identified 12 QTL for seed protein, 11 for seed oil concentration and four for both traits. Among these, 17 QTL were closely mapped to previously reported QTL, whereas ten sites were novel. Several QTL were detected across at least two experimental years. These loci are good candidate QTL for optimal seed protein and oil concentrations. Our results demonstrate that favourable target QTL can be successfully identified using selected breeding populations.     

Detection and genotyping of SNPs tightly linked to two disease resistance loci, Rsv1 and Rsv3, of soybean

Allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) for assaying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) would be more widely used with increased availability of AS primers sufficient to distinguish between SNP alleles. AS‐PCR could be a means unambiguously to detect the presence or absence of PCR products. Examples are given here of the detection and genotyping of SNPs in the genomic DNA fragments tightly linked to two soybean mosaic virus resistance genes, Rsv1 and Rsv3, with a modified AS‐PCR procedure in soybean. The modified AS‐PCR that introduces an additional base mismatch closest to the 3′‐end of the AS primers and uses publicly available microsatellite markers as positive controls directly determined SNP alleles from primary PCR of genomic DNAs. It was demonstrated that a set of AS primers designed from two adjacent SNP loci could simultaneously detect the two SNP loci. Using the modified procedure, many SNP loci in eight soybean parental lines and F₂ individuals of three mapping populations could be genotyped. The modified AS‐PCR procedure could greatly facilitate small‐to‐medium scale marker‐assisted selection programmes for agronomically important genes.     

Evaluation of waterlogging tolerance with the degree of foliar senescence at early vegetative stage of maize (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.)

Maize is highly susceptible to waterlogging, which is becoming one of worldwide abiotic threats in many agricultural areas. This study was evaluated to establish the screening method and to find tolerant maize genotypes. Six Korean maize inbred lines were subjected to waterlogging at V3 for 15 days using a big size pot with single maize plant (big pot method) and a box containing 31 maize plants at a time (box method). The degree of foliar senescence and the number of senescent leaves were better indicators for selecting waterlogging tolerant maize genotypes than SPAD value and plant height. The degree of foliar senescence revealed that KS124, KS140, and KS141 are tolerant, and KS85 is susceptible to waterlogging at the early growth stage. These responses of foliar senescence were in clear accordance with those of plant grain yield, which was supported by stress tolerance index for grain yield. The box method also showed the similar response of foliar senescence to the big pot method. Therefore, this box method based on foliar senescence may be simple and efficient for large-scale screening of maize germplasm against waterlogging stress. It was concluded that foliar senescence can be a good indicator for selecting tolerant maize genotypes against waterlogging at the early growth stage.     

Evaluation of genetic structure of Korean wild soybean (Glycine soja) based on saponin allele polymorphism

Korean wild soybeans (Glycine soja) hypocotyl exhibit seven common saponin allele combinations: Sg-1 ^a /sg-4/sg-6 (phenotype: Aa), Sg-1 ^b /sg-4/sg-6 (Ab), Sg-1 ^a /Sg-4/sg-6 (AaBc), Sg-1 ^b /Sg-4/sg-6 (AbBc), Sg-1 ^a /sg-4/Sg-6 (Aa + α), Sg-1 ^a /Sg-4/Sg-6 (AaBc + α) and Sg-1 ^b /Sg-4/Sg-6 (AbBc + α). Diversity of saponin allele frequency (H_af) and saponin allele combination frequency (H_acf) was evaluated by Shannon–Weaver Index that was ranged from 0.75 to 1.04 and 0.28 to 1.25, respectively. High values of H_af and H_acf were found in Jeollanam-do and its adjoining regions Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. The genetic index of Korean wild soybean increased towards south from north and west from east regions. The frequency of Sg-1 ^b and Sg-6 allele combinations increased towards south region (Jeollanam-do). These results suggest that Jeollanam-do region is the primary center of diversity, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do regions are the secondary center of diversity and the remaining regions (Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Jeju-do) are the tertiary center of diversity for soyasaponin polymorphism in Korea. Furthermore, saponin allele frequency distribution suggested that alleles Sg-1 ^b and Sg-6 dispersed from Jeollanam-do to other regions of Korea. Our findings have laid the foundation for uncovering genetic diversity in Korean wild soybeans that could be exploited in soybean breeding programs.     

Enhancement of the catalytic activity of a 27 kDa subtilisin-like enzyme from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CH51 by in vitro mutagenesis

AprE51 from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CH51 is a 27 kDa subtilisin-like protease with fibrinolytic activity. To enhance the catalytic activity of AprE51, two residues, Gly-169 and Ser-101, which, according to the three-dimensional structural model of subtilisin, are located in the P1 substrate-binding site and S3 subsite, respectively, were mutated by site-directed mutagenesis. Results of the mutational analysis showed that substitution of alanine for Gly-169 increased the fibrinolytic activity 1.4-fold. All four Ser-101 mutations, that is, replacements with arginine, leucine, lysine, and tryptophan, also increased the fibrinolytic activity up to 3.9-fold. The S101W mutant with a bulky side chain was more active than mutants with a positively charged or nonpolar small side chains. The fibrinolytic activity of the S101W mutant was further increased by error-prone polymerase chain reaction. The AprE51-6 mutant (S101W/G169A/V192A) had stronger fibrinolytic activity than the S101W mutant. Purified AprE51-6 had a 2.5-fold higher k(cat) and a 2.3-fold lower K(m), which resulted in a 6-fold increase in catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)) relative to that of wild-type AprE51. In addition, AprE51-6 showed a relatively broader pH range and increased thermostability as compared to AprE51.     

Stochasticity dominates assembly processes of soil nematode metacommunities on three Asian mountains

Nematodes play an important role in ecosystems; however, very little is known about their assembly processes and the factors influencing them. We studied nematode communities in bulk soils from three Asian mountain ecosystems to determine the assembly processes of free-living nematode metacommunities and their driving factors. On each mountain, elevations span a range of climatic conditions with the potential to reveal assembly processes that predominate across multiple biomes. A phylogenetic nu...     

Antioxidant activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in germinating seeds of transgenic soybean expressing OsHGGT

Tocochromanols are potent lipid-soluble antioxidants and essential nutrients for human health. Genetic engineering techniques were used to develop soybeans with enhanced vitamin E levels, including tocotrienols, which are not found in soybean. The gene encoding rice homogentisate geranylgeranyl transferase (HGGT) was overexpressed in soybeans using seed-specific and constitutive promoters. The association between abundance of vitamin E isomers and antioxidant activity was investigated during seed germination. With the exception of β-tocotrienol, all vitamin E isomers were detected in germinating seeds expressing OsHGGT. The antioxidant properties of germinating seed extracts were determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Compared with intact wild-type seeds, transgenic seeds showed increases in radical scavenging of 5.4-17 and 23.2-35.3% in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Furthermore, the lipid peroxidation levels were 2.0-4.5-fold lower in germinating seeds from transgenic lines than in wild-type seeds. Therefore, it appears that the antioxidant potential of transgenic oil-producing plants such as soybean, sunflower, and corn may be enhanced by overexpressing OsHGGT during seed germination.     

Bioactive Compounds,Antioxidant and Binding Activities and Spear Yield of Asparagus officinalis L.

The aim of this investigation was to find a proper harvesting period and establishing fern number, which effects the spear yield, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of Asparagus officinalis L. Spears were harvested at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after sprouting. Control for comparison was used without harvest. Spears and total yield increased with prolonged spear harvest period. In harvest of 6 weeks long optimum spear yield was the highest and fern numbers were 5?~?8. Bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, flavanols, tannins and ascorbic acid) and the levels of antioxidant activities by ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays in asparagus ethanol extracts significantly differed in the investigated samples and were the highest at 6 weeks harvest period (P?<?0.05). The first and the second segments from the tip significantly increased with the increase of catalase (CAT). It was interesting to investigate in vitro how human serum albumin (HSA) interacts with polyphenols extracted from investigated vegetables. Therefore the functional properties of asparagus were studied by the interaction of polyphenol ethanol extracts with HSA, using 3D- FL. In conclusion, antioxidant status (bioactive compounds, binding and antioxidant activities) improved with the harvesting period and the first segment from spear tip. Appropriate harvesting is effective for higher asparagus yield and its bioactivity.     

Mechanical properties of breathable waterproof fabrics with seaming and sealing processes

Waterproof fabrics are seamed and sealed by waterproof sealing tape to prevent water from penetrating through the stitch holes. As this process may change the mechanical properties of breathable waterproof fabric related to its deformation with human body, the changes in mechanical properties were investigated. In both of parallel and perpendicular directions, tensile characteristics were remarkably changed with seaming and sealing processes. The increase of LT and WT means that the clothing sealed by waterproofing tape may produce somewhat discomfort feeling. On the other hand, the bridge of the sewing thread seemed to be reinforced by waterproofing tape. Shear characteristics such as G, 2HG, and 2HG5 gradually increased with seaming and sealing processes in parallel direction. However, they decreased with sealing process in perpendicular direction because the seam line work as an axis located at the center of the testing range.     

Application of PU-sealing into Cu/Ni electroless plated polyester fabrics for e-textiles

Electroless metal plated fabrics are favorable to be used as e-textiles due to the excellent conductivity and peculiar properties of textiles such as flexibility. But, the electrical durability is not enough to be used as e-textiles. Therefore, we applied polyurethane(PU)-sealing (single-sealing vs. double-sealing) onto the electroless metal plated polyester fabrics (Ripstop vs. Mesh) to reinforce the electrical durability. We investigated the changes of electrical properties of the PU-sealed metal plated fabrics after laundering by a multi-meter, examined the surface changes using scanning electron microscope, and checked the metal existence using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. And, we finally proved the possibility of the fabric strips as transmission lines by alternating conventional earphone lines. PU double-sealing showed higher performance on Ripstop polyester fabrics even after being laundered 10 times, which was almost the same as Cu-based typical conductive lines did.