Global transcriptomic analysis reveals candidate genes associated with different phosphorus acquisition strategies among soybean varieties

The results showed that two types of phosphorus acquisition strategies-"outsourcing" and "do-it-yourself"-were employed by soybean varieties under low phosphorus availability. The "do-it-yourself" varieties, represented by QD11, Zh30, and Sd, obtained sufficient phosphorus by increasing their root surface area and secreting carboxylic acids. In contrast, the "outsourcing" varieties, represented by Zh301, Zh13, and Hc6, used increased symbiosis with mycorrhizae to obtain phosphorus owing to their large root diameters. Transcriptome analysis showed that the direction of acetyl-CoA metabolism could be the dividing line between the two strategies of soybean selection. ERF1 and WRKY1 may be involved in the regulation of phosphorus acquisition strategies for soybeans grown under low P environments. These findings will enhance our understanding of phosphorus acquisition strategies in soybeans. In addition, they will facilitate the development of breeding strategies that are more flexible to accommodate a variety of production scenarios in agriculture under low phosphorus environments.