Effects of maturity genes E2 and E3 on yield formation in soybean cultivar Enrei in warm region, Fukuyama in Japan

Abstract

Understanding how maturity genes affect soybean yield formation will provide important information for crop management decisions. This study aimed to reveal how maturity genes E2 and E3 in the soybean cultivar 'Enrei' affect yields and yield formation in warm regions of Japan. 'Enrei' (e2e3) and three near-isogenic lines of 'Enrei' (e2E3, E2e3, and E2E3) were cultivated in 2016 and 2017 in Fukuyama, Japan (34°30′N, 133°23′E). Two sowing dates were set in each year (June sowing and July sowing). E2 extended the period from emergence to R1 and also the period from R1 to R7, whereas E3 extended only the period from emergence to R1. Interaction between E2 and E3 did not affect duration of the period from emergence to R1, but did affect the period from R1 to R7. Although seed yield did not differ between genotypes in the June sowings, the effects of E2 and E3 on seed yield in July sowing were both significant and interaction between E2 and E3 also observed. The total number of nodes increased in E3 genotypes in both sowing dates, especially in E2E3. Pod-set ratio was lower in E2 and E3 genotypes than in e2 and e3 genotypes in the June sowings, but did not differ between genotypes in the July sowings. The high yield of E2E3 genotypes in the July sowings was attributed to increased number of nodes and flower production while maintaining pod-set ratio. Appropriate choice of sowing date is suggested to be essential when using E3 genotypes.

Identification of E1-E4 allele combinations and ecological adaptability of soybean varieties from different geographical origins in China

“…In this study, we found that E1 had some effect on soybean yield composition both on soybean pod formation was significant, and the effect of E2 and E3 genes on plant height of introduced soybeans was significant, and the effect of E2 was greater than that of E3 ( Table 4 ). Previous research has revealed that varieties carrying the E2/E3 combination can produce a greater number of main stems and flowers while maintaining a consistent pod set ratio, thereby resulting in increased pod production ( Kawasaki et al., 2018 ). We also found that E1 and E3 significantly affected the composition of soybean plant biomass, with E1 being the genetic locus that mainly affected the biomass of each component of soybean.…”

The Modification of Circadian Clock Components in Soybean During Domestication and Improvement

“…The expression of GmGIa is suppressed in the e3e4 background or by the overexpression of GmCOL1a (Cao et al, 2015). A combination of E2 and E3 alleles can synergistically improve seed yield in July sowing in Japan (Kawasaki et al, 2018). Under long-day conditions, the expression of GmGIa oscillates following a circadian rhythm but is slightly out of sync with the expressions of the two GmFKF1 genes (Li et al, 2013), while under short-day conditions, the expression of GmGIa is dampened and no longer oscillates (Li et al, 2013).…”

Predictive analysis of soybean (Glycine max) phenotypes

“…A comprehensive understanding of maturity related genes and their influence on developmental stages, and genetic control have application in breeding and crop production. For example, an optimal placement of variety with the appropriate suite of maturity genes can help it reach the potential yield (Kawasaki et al 2018). In northern latitudes, yield is often limited by the narrower range in frost-free days that often forces farmers to delay planting to mitigate the risk of an early season frost killing, while a later planting can increase the chances of a late season frost that can kill plants prior to maturity (Halvorson et al 1995).…”