Chinese researchers develop soybean breeding lines

Chinese scientists have advanced soybean breeding by using gene editing, which may boost this significant crop's production and protein content. This is reported by China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

In addition to being the second-largest source of vegetable oil in the world, soybeans are the top source of vegetable protein for food and animal feed worldwide. China, a significant user, is largely reliant on imports, nevertheless, because of its very meagre soybean harvest.

Gene editing has been utilised by researchers to produce soybean mutants, which are essential for nitrogen fixation from the atmosphere. As a result, plants are able to absorb more nitrogen, which is essential for development and the synthesis of proteins.

More thorough testing, which is already being conducted on locations with an area of no more than 100 square metres, is nevertheless required.

The research is carried out in compliance with the Chinese 2022 criteria for evaluating the safety of genetically modified crops, which mandate the utilisation of test locations and the acquisition of safety certificates prior to broader production.

In the future, the group intends to use this technology on commodities including alfalfa and peanuts, as well as other soybean types, for the local market.

By increasing domestic soybean production and protein availability, this development presents a viable way for China to lessen its reliance on imports and enhance global food security.

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