Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 257-269 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 266 In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular bases of drought tolerance in soybeans, several future directions and challenges remain. Focusing on novel genes and pathways, epigenetic regulation, and addressing translational and regulatory challenges will be crucial for developing drought-tolerant soybean varieties that can thrive under changing climatic conditions. 8 Concluding Remarks The research on drought tolerance in soybeans has revealed significant insights into the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms that enable certain soybean varieties to withstand water-deficit conditions. Key findings include morpho-physiological and biochemical responses: drought stress adversely affects photosynthetic attributes, leaf production, pigment and water content, plant growth, and dry matter production in soybeans. However, drought-tolerant genotypes like AGS383 maintain healthier root and shoot growth, greater leaf area, and higher photosynthesis rates under drought conditions. Advances in genomic technologies and breeding approaches have identified specific genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with drought tolerance. For instance, the GmNFYB17 gene has been shown to enhance drought resistance and yield accumulation in transgenic soybean plants. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis has identified numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that play roles in water and nutrient uptake, antioxidant activity, and stress signaling. The application of graphene oxide (GO) as a soil water retention agent has been found to significantly enhance drought stress tolerance in soybeans by improving root parameters, increasing the activities of defense enzymes, and upregulating drought-related genes. The findings from these studies have profound implications for soybean production and global food security. The identification of drought-tolerant genotypes and the underlying genetic mechanisms provide valuable resources for breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding, drought-resistant soybean varieties. This can lead to more resilient soybean crops that can thrive in water-limited environments, thereby ensuring stable food production. The use of innovative approaches such as the application of nanomaterials like graphene oxide can enhance the drought tolerance of soybean plants, reducing the need for excessive irrigation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. As climate change continues to exacerbate drought conditions, the development of drought-tolerant soybean varieties will be crucial in maintaining crop yields and food security. Integrating physiological, biochemical, and molecular insights into breeding strategies can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on soybean production. The research on drought tolerance in soybeans has made significant strides, but there is still much to be explored. Future research should focus on the functional validation of candidate genes. Further studies are needed to validate the function of identified candidate genes and their role in drought tolerance. This will involve detailed genetic and physiological analyses to confirm their effectiveness in different environmental conditions. Combining genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics can provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex networks involved in drought tolerance. This integrative approach will facilitate the identification of key regulatory pathways and potential targets for genetic improvement. Conducting extensive field trials to evaluate the performance of drought-tolerant genotypes under real-world conditions is essential. These trials will help in selecting the most promising varieties for large-scale cultivation and incorporation into breeding programs. In conclusion, the advancements in understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular bases of drought tolerance in soybeans hold great promise for enhancing crop resilience and ensuring food security in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Continued research and innovation in this field will be pivotal in developing sustainable agricultural practices and securing the future of global food production. Acknowledgments The authors extend sincere thanks to two anonymous peer reviewers for their invaluable feedback on the manuscript. Funding This work was supported by the Project of Science and technology of Shenyang, China 22-318-2-05.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==