2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) This research will investigate the response of random inbred lines of soybean to elevated ozone concentrations in the field at the SoyFACE experiment. We will use existing tools from high throughput genomics, metabolomics, comparative and quantitative genetics, and bioinformatics to elucidate the mechanisms of soybean yield response to elevated ozone. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) This project will use physiological and biochemical analysis, comparative and quantitative genetics, and bioinformatics to study the mechanisms of soybean yield response to elevated ozone. 3.Progress Report The aim of this project is to screen ~200 recombinant inbred soybean lines for ozone tolerance in the field at the SoyFACE facility. We have identified two soybean genotypes, IA3010 and Dwight, with different yield responses to elevated ozone. These lines have been crossed and this summer the F5 population has been planted in the field under ambient conditions in order to bulk up seed for next year’s ozone experiment and to select lines of similar maturity. This year, the parent lines are also being grown under 9 different ozone concentrations at the SoyFACE facility in order to characterize their dose-response and to identify the optimal elevated ozone concentration for future experiments. Photosynthesis, leaf area development, antioxidant capacity, and yield of the parent lines are being assessed. One post-doctoral associate, one graduate student and one undergraduate student are currently working on this project.