Soybean2035: A decadal vision for soybean functional genomics and breeding

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Genomics
• Crop Breeding

Background:

• Soybean is a vital global crop, crucial for plant oil and protein in food and animal feed.
• Despite a 13-fold production increase in 60 years, growing demand requires further advancements.
• Significant progress in functional genomics and molecular breeding has been achieved, yet challenges remain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize achievements in soybean omics, functional genomics, and molecular breeding.
• To analyze current trends, identify shortages, and outline challenges in soybean research.
• To propose future directions and potential outputs for elite soybean variety development by 2035.

Main Methods:

• Review of past achievements in soybean omics, functional genomics, and molecular breeding.
• Analysis of current trends, challenges, and limitations in the field.
• Identification of future research directions and potential approaches.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in soybean functional genomics and molecular breeding over the past decade.
• Existing research highlights several challenges that need to be addressed to meet future demand.
• The study outlines a roadmap for soybean research and development towards 2035.

Conclusions:

• Accelerating the development of elite soybean varieties is critical to meet increasing global demand.
• Future research should focus on overcoming current challenges in omics, functional genomics, and molecular breeding.
• Strategic advancements are necessary to ensure sustainable soybean production for global food security.