Breeding Soybeans That Can Tolerate Heat, Drought
Friday, October 17, 2014 - 11:30
in Earth & Climate
Hot, dry conditions can wreak havoc on a field of soybeans. Assistant professor Jai Rohila of the South Dakota State University Biology and Microbiology Department is uncovering the molecular mechanisms that lead to drought and heat tolerance. This will help breeders develop soybean varieties that can survive heat and drought. To do this, he is working with University of Minnesota soybean breeder Jim Orf, who provided Rohila with two varieties of soybeans, one that has greater tolerance to hot, dry conditions, and another that is susceptible.