Reviews latest research on crop physiology and genetic diversity

Part 1 Plant physiology and breeding1.Advances in understanding soybean physiology and growth: M. B. Zhang and X. T. Chu, Centre for Integrative Legume Research, University of Queensland, Australia; H. N. Su, University of Queensland, Australia, and National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, China; A. H. Hastwell, P. M. Gresshoff and B. J. Ferguson, Centre for Integrative Legume Research, University of Queensland, Australia; 2.Maintaining and utilizing the genetic diversity of soybeans: Randall Nelson, USDA-ARS and University of Illinois, USA; 3.Advances in conventional soybean breeding techniques: E. E. Large, E. Beche, D. Mutoni and A. Scaboo, University of Missouri, USA; 4.Mapping the soybean genome: Xiaobo Wang, Anhui Agricultural University, China; and Lijuan Qiu, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China ; 5.Advances in marker-assisted breeding of soybeans: T. Vuong, University of Missouri, USA; and D. Walker, USDA-ARS and University of Illinois, USA ; 6.Advances in genetic modification of soybeans: Wensheng Hou, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China; 7.Advances in the drought and heat resistance of soybean: Heng Ye, Babu Valliyodan, Li Song, J. Grover Shannon, Pengyin Chen and Henry T. Nguyen, University of Missouri, USA; 8.Towards improving the salt tolerance of soybean: Ailin Liu, Wai-Lun Cheung, Wai-Shing Yung, Carol Lee, Fuk-Ling Wong, Kit-Wah Siu and Hon-Ming Lam, Center for Soybean Research of the Partner State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; 9.Advances in flood-tolerant varieties of soybean: C. Wu and W. Hummer, University of Arkansas, USA; P. Chen, G. Shannon, H. Ye and H. T. Nguyen, University of Missouri, USA; G. Kaur and J. Orlowski, Mississippi State University, USA; T. Carter, USDA-ARS, USA; and B. Buckley, Louisiana State University, USA; Part 2 Cultivation techniques10.Modelling the effects of temperature and photoperiod on soybean reproductive development: H. Yang, University of Nebraska, USA ; 11.Defining and implementing best management practices in soybean production: Daniel B. Reynolds, Mississippi State University, USA; 12.Sustainable soybean production research and practice: contrasting case studies from three soybean production areas: Roger W. Elmore, Rodrigo Werle and Charles Wortmann, University of Nebraska, USA; Phinehas Tukamuhabwa, Makerere University, Uganda; and Nathan Mueller, University of Nebraska, USA; 13.Supporting smallholders in soybean cultivation: the example of Zimbabwe: Byron Zamasiya and Kefasi Nyikahadzoi, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe;