Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most economically important legumes worldwide. However, Europe strongly depends on soybean import from South American countries where soybean cultivation leads to environmental issues. To alleviate this dependency and develop socially responsible protein products, a shift towards local soybean production is imperative.

Sugar signalling

Strigolactones (SLs) are one of the best-known signaling molecules released into the rhizosphere to regulate interactions with neighboring organisms. Originally isolated from plant root exudates as germination stimulants for root parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family, SLs play a dual role in rhizosphere. They ensure germination of the parasitic plants in the presence of the host, leading to significant crop losses worldwide. However, their primary function lies in supporting plant growth.