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While many studies have examined the binding of phytate to proteins and/or minerals, little information is available on the number of complex types and combinations of binding molecules. In this study, interactions of phytate with proteins and divalent ions in the soluble fraction of soymilk obtained from the soybean cultivar Tachinagaha were examined using a Sephacrvl S-400 HR column. Phosphorus and divalent ions were detected using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Phytate was identified as the phosphorus peak digested by phvtase. Three phytate peaks were detected in fractions 21, 49, and 53. The phytate in fraction 21, indicating the presence of the largest complex, was co-eluted with proteins and disappeared after proteinase K treatment. The phytate in fraction 49 was co-eluted with iron, while that in fraction 53 was co-eluted with calcium. Our methods have potential applicability for detecting mineralphytate and protein-phytate interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using progeny of a cross between Japanese soybean Enrei and Chinese soybean Peking, we developed a high-density linkage map and chromosomal segment substitution lines (CSSLs). The map consists of 2,177 markers with polymorphism information for 32 accessions and provides a detailed genetic framework for these markers. The marker order on the linkage map revealed close agreement with that on the chromosome-scale assembly, Wm82.a2.v1. The differences, especially on Chr. 5 and Chr. 11, in the present map provides information to identify regions in the genome assembly where additional information is required to resolve marker order and assign remaining scaffolds. To cover the entire soybean genome, we used 999 BC3F2 backcross plants and selected 103 CSSLs carrying chromosomal segments from Peking in the genetic background of Enrei. Using these low-genetic-complexity resources, we dissected variation in traits related to flowering, maturity and yield into approximately 50 reproducible quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and evaluated QTLs with small genetic effects as single genetic factors in a uniform genetic background. CSSLs developed in this study may be good starting material for removing the unfavourable characteristics of Peking during pre-breeding and for isolation of genes conferring disease and stress resistance that have not yet been characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is recognized as a beneficial food with various functional components, such as β-conglycinin, which improves lipid metabolism. We evaluated the effects of the β-conglycinin-rich soybean Nanahomare on triglyceride (TG) levels. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we divided 134 adult subjects into test and placebo groups that consumed processed food containing enriched-β-conglycinin soybean or low-β-conglycinin soybean. Hematological tests and body composition measurements were performed at weeks 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12 of the study period. TG levels significantly decreased in the test group compared with the placebo group at weeks 4 (change from baseline to week 4, placebo: 0.27 ± 44.13 mg/dL, test: -20.31 ± 43.74 mg/dL, p = 0.035) and 12 (change from baseline to week 12, placebo: -0.14 ± 65.83 mg/dL, test: -21.30 ± 46.21 mg/dL, p = 0.041). In addition, among subjects whose baseline TG levels were >100 mg/dL, the levels significantly improved in the test group at weeks 4 (p = 0.010) and 12 (p = 0.030), whereas the levels were not different between the test and placebo groups among those whose baseline levels were <100 mg/dL. These results suggest that the ingestion of enriched-β-conglycinin soybean improves serum TG levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early and narrow-row planting are promising tools that increase soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth and yield in southwestern Japan, but optimum planting date and row width have not been established. We conducted the present study in 2012 and 2013 to assess the effect of early (mid-June) and narrow-row (20 and/or 35 cm) planting on agronomic traits of soybean and weed emergence using a new promising short-stem cultivar, Sachiyutaka Al, in comparison with conventional planting date (mid- to late July) and row width (75 cm). The light interception exceeded 90% more than 14 d earlier in narrower-row treatments than in the 75 cm row width. This result might lead to 60 and 98% greater suppression of weed emergence at harvest in the 20 and 35 cm row width (3 and 53 g m-2 ), respectively, compared with the 75 cm row width (153 g m-2 ). Early planting increased shoot dry weight by 200 g m-2, leading to a 2-yr average significant yield increase of approximately 9% in early planting compared to normal planting (266 vs. 244 g m-2 ). Averaged across the experimental year and planting date, Sachiyutaka Al planted at the 20 cm row width had the lowest lodging score of 1.6 (most lodging resistance) among the row widths tested. These results suggest that planting Sachiyutaka Al in mid-June at a 20 cm row width leads to a higher seed yield than conventional planting date and row width, with minimal or less weed emergence and lodging of the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pod dehiscence (shattering) is essential for the propagation of wild plant species bearing seeds in pods but is a major cause of yield loss in legume and crucifer crops. Although natural genetic variation in pod dehiscence has been, and will be, useful for plant breeding, little is known about the molecular genetic basis of shattering resistance in crops. Therefore, we performed map-based cloning to unveil a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling pod dehiscence in soybean. Fine mapping and complementation testing revealed that the QTL encodes a dirigent-like protein, designated as Pdh1. The gene for the shattering-resistant genotype, pdh1, was defective, having a premature stop codon. The functional gene, Pdh1, was highly expressed in the lignin-rich inner sclerenchyma of pod walls, especially at the stage of initiation in lignin deposition. Comparisons of near-isogenic lines indicated that Pdh1 promotes pod dehiscence by increasing the torsion of dried pod walls, which serves as a driving force for pod dehiscence under low humidity. A survey of soybean germplasm revealed that pdh1 was frequently detected in landraces from semiarid regions and has been extensively used for breeding in North America, the world's leading soybean producer. These findings point to a new mechanism for pod dehiscence involving the dirigent protein family and suggest that pdh1 has played a crucial role in the global expansion of soybean cultivation. Furthermore, the orthologs of pdh1, or genes with the same role, will possibly be useful for crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the oxylipin metabolism in soybean homogenates which contain different sets of lipoxygenase isozymes. It has been found out that the amount of oxidized fatty acids in the esterified form is higher than that in free form. In addition, the study also suggests the existence of a pathway in forming C6-volatiles through hydroperoxides in the esterified form.