University of Missouri scientist Ron Mittler is working to create a more resilient soybean that can withstand heat and drought using a $2.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Mittler’s research focuses on genetically engineering soybeans to optimize their water retention and cooling mechanisms, potentially boosting yields even in adverse conditions.
The project is part of a broader collaboration within the university’s Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG). Mittler, along with researchers Marc Libault and Felix Fritschi, is identifying soybean genes that enhance stress tolerance, helping Missouri farmers cope with increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
“By harnessing the natural abilities of soybeans to adapt and survive, we can help farmers meet the challenges of extreme weather while maintaining productivity,” Mittler said.
The results could support Missouri’s agricultural economy by providing farmers with soybean varieties that are better suited to withstand the state’s challenging weather conditions.
