About

Ben Fallen is an Assistant Professor at USDA-ARS in the Plant Science Research Building at NC State University, specializing in crop and soil sciences with a focus on soybean breeding and genetics. He earned his PhD in Plant Sciences from the University of Tennessee in December 2012, with a dissertation on marker-assisted selection strategies for soybean yield improvement. His educational background also includes a Master's degree in Plant Sciences and a Bachelor's degree in Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences with a Biotechnology and Genetics option. His research emphasizes drought and flood tolerance in soybeans, aiming to develop resilient crop varieties that can withstand abiotic stresses such as drought and waterlogging. He has contributed to the development of drought-tolerant lines that exhibit slow wilting traits, which improve yields under stress conditions. His work also explores the genetic diversity of wild soybean, Glycine soja, which contains valuable genes for traits like high oil and protein content, drought resistance, and disease resistance. Through his research, he has developed soybean lines with significant wild soybean genetic material that maintain competitive yields and enhanced traits. His contributions extend to understanding the mechanisms of stress tolerance and improving high-throughput germplasm characterization, supporting sustainable soybean production and crop improvement efforts.

Research topics

• Biology
• Animal science
• Biotechnology
• Engineering
• Food science
• Chemistry
• Genetics
• Chromatography

Selected publications

• Drought tolerance in soybean: genetics, metabolomics, remote sensing, and breeding for enhanced drought tolerance

  Frontiers in Plant Science · 2026-03-13

  articleOpen access

  Drought is the most damaging abiotic stress affecting soybean production, with variable rainfall contributing significantly to year-to-year yield variability. Breeding efforts aim to develop cultivars with stable and competitive yields under both drought and non-drought stressed conditions. However, drought tolerance in soybean is a highly complex trait, influenced by diverse physiological, morphological, genetic factors and environments. Identifying genotypes with improved drought tolerance is challenging because traditional phenotyping methods for drought tolerance are subjective and time-consuming. Furthermore, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with drought tolerance typically exhibit small effects and limited consistency across environments and populations. These challenges highlight the need for improved methodologies to identify and evaluate promising sources of genetic variation. This review summarizes the current state of drought tolerance breeding in soybean and discusses recent advances in remote sensing, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics aimed at enhancing drought tolerance research and cultivar development in soybean.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Impact of soybean genotype diversity on the structure and gelation properties of soy proteins

  Food Chemistry Molecular Sciences · 2026-03-15

  articleOpen access

  Understanding the genetic basis of soy protein gelation performance differences is essential for developing clean-label, high-functionality ingredients. Here, we systematically compared the structural and gelation behavior of soy protein isolates from 20 genetically diverse soybean genotypes. Protein yield, subunit composition, sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence, secondary and thermal structures (FTIR, DSC), and gelation behavior (flow and rheology) were evaluated under standardized conditions. Glycinin-dominant isolates showed compact, thermally stable structures but formed weak gels, whereas genotypes with balanced 11S/7S profiles and higher conformational accessibility formed elastic gels with superior water-holding capacity. Highly aggregated isolates displayed high pre-gel viscosity yet poor gel strength, confirming that viscosity alone does not predict gelation. This side-by-side analysis links secondary structure fractions and reactive group exposure to gel viscoelasticity, providing a comprehensive genotype–function dataset for soy proteins. These findings establish a mechanistic framework for breeding and ingredient selection toward texture-focused, plant-based food formulations. • Soy genetics affected protein functionality. • Protein viscosity measurements did not necessarily predict gel strength. • Balanced 11S/7S ratios yielded elastic gels with high water-holding capacity. • Glycinin-rich proteins formed firm but rigid and less extensible gel networks. • Excessive aggregation limited gel strength despite high pre-gel viscosity.

  PublisherDOI

• Effects of genetic diversity on physicochemical and functional properties of soybean proteins

  Journal of Agriculture and Food Research · 2025-04-06 · 5 citations

  articleOpen access

  Soybeans are one of the least genetically diverse crops in the U.S., but increasing their diversity is important for making them more resilient and improving protein quality. This study looked at 20 different soybean genotypes to understand how genetic differences affect protein structure and functionality. We found significant variations in particle size (ranging from 243 to 958 nm), zeta potential (−16.5 to −27.1 mV), and surface hydrophobicity (H 0 values ranging from 61 × 10 3 to 140 × 10 3 ), which directly influenced how the proteins performed in different applications. SDS-PAGE showed unique patterns for β-conglycinin and glycinin subunits across different genotypes, linking these differences to solubility (60–85 %), hydrophobicity, and overall functionality. Some genotypes had better foaming capacity (up to 58 %) due to balanced protein structures and higher surface hydrophobicity (H 0 up to 140 × 10 3 ), while others performed poorly, with foaming capacity as low as 35 %, likely due to missing subunits and reduced hydrophobicity (H 0 below 65 × 10 3 ). Emulsion properties, such as oil and water binding capacity (ranging from 6.01 to 11.67 g oil/g protein and 2.72–6.80 g water/g protein, respectively) and creaming stability, were also influenced by the balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. These analyses confirmed how protein composition, particularly the balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, can affect the protein performance in the food system. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding and processing strategies to improve soybean protein quality for various uses. • Genetic diversity impacts the physicochemical and functional properties of soybean proteins. • Solubility, hydrophobicity, and protein composition varied among 20 genotypes, influencing emulsion and foaming. • Genetic variation affects the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance, determining soy protein functionality and stability. • Certain genotypes lack β-conglycinin and lipoxygenase, suggesting potential for hypoallergenic food applications. • Findings provide insights for breeding high-quality, sustainable soy protein for diverse food uses.

  PublisherDOI

• Registration of maturity group V germplasm USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 with elevated oil content and competitive yield

  Journal of Plant Registrations · 2025-09-01

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Abstract USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 is a conventional F 4 ‐derived late‐maturity group (MG) V soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. no. GP‐546, PI 708598) germplasm with elevated seed oil content and competitive seed yield. This germplasm was jointly released by USDA‐ARS and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in 2025. USDA‐ARS‐GN5002, experimental name N17‐2520, was derived from a cross between R09‐4095 and ‘NC‐Miller’ (PI665018). It was tested in 22 and 44 environments under the MG V United Soybean Board Protein Diversity Test (PDT) and USDA Southern Uniform Test (UT), respectively, from 2019 to 2022. The seed yield of USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 (4062 kg ha −1 in the PDT, and 3706 kg ha −1 in the UT) was statistically similar to the check means in both the PDT (3766 kg ha −1 ) and UT (3840 kg ha −1 ). Similarly, seed protein content of USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 (408 g kg −1 in the PDT and 397 g kg −1 in the UT) on a dry weight basis was statistically similar to the check means in the PDT (411 g kg −1 ) and UT (393 g kg −1 ). However, the seed oil content of USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 (228 g kg −1 in the PDT and 238 g kg −1 in the UT) on a dry weight basis was significantly ( p < .05) higher than the check means in the PDT (216 g kg −1 ) and UT (221 g kg −1 ). USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 is also resistant to stem canker. With an elevated seed oil content that does not compromise seed yield or protein content, USDA‐ARS‐GN5002 is a promising addition to the limited MG V genetic stocks for the U.S. Southeastern Region.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Identification of new germplasm sources and physiological traits for breeding heat‐tolerant soybean varieties

  Crop Science · 2025-11-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Breeding for heat tolerance in soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is constrained by limited genetic diversity for heat tolerance, lack of efficient selection criteria, and incomplete knowledge of heat tolerance mechanisms. The objectives of this study were to characterize the heat tolerance of a soybean recombinant inbred line (RIL) population based on physiological traits defining leaf function, pollen viability, and yield, and identify genotypes and traits that can be included in breeding programs for heat tolerance selection. Field trials were conducted in South Carolina in 2022 and 2023 to test 192 RILs (derived from DS 25‐1 [heat‐tolerant] × DT97‐4290 [heat‐susceptible]), parental lines, and 12 check genotypes. Plants were initially grown at ambient temperatures, and the heat stress treatment (38°C–42°C for at least 4 h during the daytime) was established using heat tents for 14 days during the R2–R4 growth stages. RILs 22, 26, 38, 54, 78, and 115 were identified as the most heat‐tolerant, and the RILs 174, 182, and 192 as the most heat‐sensitive based on leaf physiological traits (chlorophyll index, chlorophyll fluorescence, lipid peroxidation, and photosynthesis), pollen viability, aboveground biomass, seed number, seed yield, and 100‐seed weight. Seed yield was positively correlated with chlorophyll index, photosynthesis, aboveground biomass, and seed number under heat stress. Aboveground biomass had the highest heritability ( H 2 = 0.48), reinforcing its significance as a key selection criterion for heat tolerance in soybean. New heat‐tolerant germplasms identified in this research and the three physiological traits for improving selection efficiency provide valuable resources for soybean varietal development programs.

  PublisherDOI

• Registration of ‘Goliath LJ’ and ‘Colossus LJ’ forage soybean cultivars with the long juvenile trait and glyphosate resistance

  Journal of Plant Registrations · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract ‘Colossus LJ’ (Reg. no. CV‐563, PI 692622) and ‘Goliath LJ’ (Reg. no. CV‐562, PI 692621) soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars were developed by the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Extension Center in Florence, SC, and released as forage maturity group (MG) VII and MG VIII glyphosate‐tolerant cultivars, respectively. After release, both cultivars were licensed by Specialty Seed Incorporated, a company dedicated to providing premium wildlife food plot seed. Goliath LJ is an F 5 ‐derived single plant selection from a cross between SC98‐1850 and SC01‐785RR. Colossus LJ is a F 4 ‐derived line originating from a cross combination of SC98‐1930 × SC00‐892RR. Goliath LJ and Colossus LJ both exhibit the long juvenile trait (LJ), which can extend vegetative growth under short day growing conditions. Colossus LJ and Goliath LJ were evaluated in yield trials as MG VII and MG VIII breeding lines, respectively, over 7 years in 46 environments. When compared to grain and forage type soybean cultivars across three South Carolina environments, 2016–2018, Colossus LJ (3107 kg ha −1 ) and Goliath LJ (2925 kg ha −1 ) yielded significantly similar to the grain mean (2983 kg ha −1 ) and significantly higher than the forage mean (2623 kg ha −1 ). Plant heights of Colossus LJ (102 cm) and Goliath LJ (107 cm) were significantly higher than the grain mean (78 cm) and significantly similar to the forage mean (109 cm). Forage nutritive value analysis showed crude protein of Colossus LJ and Goliath LJ were significantly higher than the forage and grain mean measured across two growth stages. In addition, both lines exhibited a significantly lower acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber in the leaf and pod. Colossus LJ and Goliath LJ are excellent candidates for forage production because of their high biomass production, increased nutritional value, and adaptation to a wide range of growing conditions.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Registration of R19‐42848 as a drought‐tolerant, high‐yielding soybean germplasm line

  Journal of Plant Registrations · 2025-01-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  Abstract R19‐42848 (Reg. no. GP‐532, PI 706865) is a high‐yielding soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm with drought tolerance released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension Center in 2024. It is an F 4 ‐derived selection from the cross R12‐2237 (drought‐tolerant) × R12‐519 (high‐yielding). R19‐42848 is a conventional (non‐genetically modified) soybean with a relative maturity of 5.2. Plants have determinate growth habit with purple flower color, gray pubescence, and tan pod wall at maturity. Seed of R19‐42848 has buff hilum color, 100‐seed weight of 13.8 g, and contains on average 404.5 and 211.5 g kg −1 of protein and oil on a dry basis, respectively. R19‐42848 showed high‐yielding and broad adaptability across 28 environments in Arkansas and three other states during the 4 years of yield trials under irrigated conditions (4275 kg ha −1 , 91.4% of the checks’ mean). Additionally, it demonstrated high yield and slow canopy wilting in rainfed conditions across 14 environments over 3 years (2489 kg ha −1 , 96.2% of the checks’ mean). Under irrigated conditions, R19‐42848 yielded numerically higher than drought‐tolerant check Ellis (105.2%), while statistically similar in rainfed conditions (99.9%). Therefore, R19‐42848 is a valuable genetic resource for public and private soybean breeding programs attempting to incorporate drought‐tolerant alleles into their breeding pipeline.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Registration of S16-9090: A Soybean Cultivar Combining High Yield, Tolerance to Drought and Multiple Nematodes

  2025-12-02

  preprintOpen access

  S16-9090 (Reg. no., PI XXXXXX) is an early maturity group V (relative maturity 5.2) conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar released by the University of Missouri-Fisher Delta Extension and Education Center (MU-FDREEC) soybean breeding program. S16-9090 has white flowers, gray pubescence, tan pod wall, and semi-determinate growth habit. Seeds of S16-9090 have buff hilum and intermediate seed luster, with an oil content of 226.4 g kg-1, a protein content of 393.7 g kg-1 on a dry-weight basis, and an average 100-seed weight of 13.7g. S16-9090 demonstrated broad adaptability and high yield stability. Across 81 environments, it averaged 4,431 kg ha-1, yielding 109% of check mean and 108% of the test mean. During the three-year drought trials (across 10 environments), S16-9090 maintained strong performance under both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Its yield averaged 4,519 kg ha-1 under irrigation (118% of the check mean) and 2,765 kg ha-1 under rainfed conditions (108% of the check mean), confirming resilience across environments. S16-9090 is resistant to southern root-knot nematode (SRKN), moderately resistant to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) race 3, and moderately susceptible to SCN races 2 and 5, and stem canker. Its yield stability, drought tolerance, and nematode resistance make it a valuable cultivar for soybean production.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Soybean genome‑wide association study of seed weight, protein, and oil content in the southeastern USA

  Molecular Genetics and Genomics · 2025-04-12 · 9 citations

  articleOpen access

  Soybean is a globally significant legume crop, providing essential protein and oil for human and livestock nutrition. Improving oil and protein content simultaneously without compromising yield has been challenging due to the quantitative nature of these traits and their interrelationships. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the molecular basis soybean of seed weight, protein, and oil content to facilitate marker-assisted breeding to enhance these traits. In this research, a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) was conducted utilizing 285 diverse soybean accessions from maturity group V, employing genotyping through the SoySNP50K platform. These accessions were tested in three environmental conditions of the southeast US for three traits: 100-seed weight, protein, and oil content. The study identified 18, 23, and 26 SNPs significantly associated with 100-seed weight, seed oil, and protein content. Colocalized protein and oil content regions were discovered on chromosomes 15, 16, and 20. Chromosomes 15 and 20 are well documented to have pleiotropic but opposite effects on oil and protein content, but both regions contain genes that affect individual traits, such as FAD2-1 and nodulin MtN21. A 1.92 Mb region on chromosome 11 exhibits a target region to improve oil and seed weight without affecting protein content. This study highlights key genomic regions and candidate genes influencing seed weight, protein, and oil content, with some regions affecting multiple traits. Hence, these findings provide a valuable foundation for marker-assisted selection to optimize seed weight and simultaneously enhance oil and protein content in soybean breeding programs.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Assessing phenotypic diversity and sensor‐based metrics for drought response in soybean

  Crop Science · 2025-05-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Drought stress can be a significant yield‐limiting factor in soybean ( Glycine max [L.] Merr) production, necessitating improved drought‐tolerant genetics to protect yield and promote resiliency under stress. A diverse panel of 450 maturity group 0–III soybean plant introgression accessions and checks was screened in a non‐irrigated drought nursery for 3 years in 2020–2022 in Muscatine, IA. Visual‐ and sensor‐based measurements were collected via red green blue, hyperspectral, and multispectral sensors via ground‐ and unmanned‐aerial‐vehicle‐based platforms. A wide range of phenotypic diversity was observed and slow canopy wilting accessions were identified within three physiological stages for introduction into upper US Midwest breeding programs. Selections concentrating on canopy area production under drought held some overlap with slow wilting selections and also provide additional resources for breeders. Vegetation indices were able to mimic breeder selections for wilting, with red green blue vegetation index achieving up to 87.5% similarity in two years. Ratio analysis of reflectance spectra carotenoids also demonstrated potential in selecting accessions comparable to breeder choices. Accessions with consistently low wilting scores across multiple years provide valuable resources for drought‐tolerance breeding.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Rouf Mian

  Agricultural Research Service

  31 shared

• Thomas E. Carter

  North Carolina State University

  18 shared

• David L. Hyten

  University of Nebraska–Lincoln

  14 shared

• Vincent R. Pantalone

  University of Tennessee at Knoxville

  11 shared

• Ondulla T. Toomer

  Agricultural Research Service

  9 shared

• Thien Vu

  Agricultural Research Service

  9 shared

• Zenglu Li

  University of Georgia

  9 shared

• Arnold M. Saxton

  8 shared

Education

• Ph.D., Soil Science

  North Carolina State University

  2005

• M.S., Soil Science

  University of Georgia

  2000

• B.S., Soil Science

  University of Georgia

  1998