Harnessing genomics and the microbiome for climate-resilient soybean production: Current insights and future prospects

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a worldwide important crop because it is a rich source of oil and protein that is essential for food security and sustainability. However, soybean production faces certain challenges from climate change, biotic and abiotic stressors, and environmental degradation. This review highlights recent advances in genomic technologies, and interactions with microbes, as well as climate resilience to achieve sustainable production of soybean. We reviewed genomic sequencing, gene editing and multi-omics to develop new traits, also we go through how beneficial microbes can help with nutrient acquisition, stress and tolerance, and disease control and management. The integrated agronomic practices such as conservation agriculture, bio-fertilizers, and precision agriculture used for soybean production has been studied. The future research directions, including microbiome engineering, breeding for climate resilience, and data driven agriculture with emphasis on the value of interdisciplinary collaboration for the future of soybean production has been highlighted. The study provides a comprehensive overview that outlines research priorities for academics, scientists and policy makers interested in sustainable and climate-resilient soybean production.