Gene Editing Boosts Soybean Yield and Protein Content

Chinese scientists used gene editing to produce a soybean variety with increased yield and protein content. Their research may increase domestic soybean production and help with global food security.

Soybeans capture nitrogen from the air for growth and protein production. However, soybean supernodulation mutants display stunting and have reduced yields due to overconsumption of carbon.

To address this issue, researchers from various institutions in China utilized gene editing to develop soybeans with enhanced nodulation ability.