Overexpression of GmWRI1b in soybean stably improves plant architecture and associated yield parameters, and increases total seed oil production under field conditions

: The functions of WRINKLED1 (WRI1) transcription factor in regulating fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis are highly conserved in crop plants, including maize (Zea mays) (Pouvreau et al., 2011), rapeseed (Brassica napus) (Li et al., 2015), oil palm (Elasis guineensis) (Ma et al., 2013), camelina (Camelina sativa) (An et al., 2017) and soybean (Glycine max) (Chen et al., 2018; Chen et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2017). Recently, Kong et al. (2017) found that the WRI1 plays a role in root auxin homeostasis and affects root development in Arabidopsis, suggesting its involvement in root architecture, and potentially shoot architecture as well.