Virus Induced Gene Silencing of Candidate Genes in the Iron-Efficiency Response of Soybean

Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) is an important problem for soybeans grown on calcareous soil, leading to yield loss. Transcriptomic studies of leaf and root tissue from the iron efficient cultivar, Clark, and its near isogenic line, iron inefficent Isoclark, have been conducted at various timepoints after reduction of iron from hydroponic media. Both early and late responses effect genes involved in hormone signaling, regulation of DNA replication and iron uptake utilization, which are key aspects of the iron-efficiency response. This data also suggests involvement of many transcription factors in eliciting rapid changes in gene expression. We have taken more than 50 candidate genes from these studies and used Viral Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) to begin elucidating gene function in the IDC response. These same VIGS constructs are being tested for their role in other abiotic stress conditions.