We obtained a new hybrid soybean (Hybrid) by hybridizing β-carotene-enhanced soybean (BCE; Glycine max L.) containing the phytoene synthase-2A-carotene desaturase gene and wild-type soybean (Wild; Glycine soja). To investigate metabolic changes between variants, we performed metabolic profiling of leaves (three growth stages) and seeds. Multivariate analyses revealed significant metabolic differences between genotypes in seeds and leaves, with seeds showing accumulation of phytosterols, tocopherols, and carotenoids (BCE only), indicating co-induction of the methylerythritol 4-phosphate and mevalonic acid pathways. Additionally, Hybrid produced intermediate levels of carotenoids and high levels of amino acids. Principal component analysis revealed metabolic discrimination between growth stages of soybean leaves and identified differences in leaf groups according to different genotypes at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, with Wild showing higher levels of environmental stress-related compounds relative to BCE and Hybrid leaves. The metabolic profiling approach could be a useful tool to identify metabolic links in various soybean cultivars.

The order Chaetothyriales encompasses black yeasts and related fungi known for their diverse morphologies, asexual reproduction, and habitat preferences. In this study, we isolated two fungal strains belonging to Chaetothyriales, designated KNUF-23-13A and KNUF-22-020, from a longhorn beetle (Cyrtoclytus capra) and soil sample, respectively, in Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions and partial sequences of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, β-tubulin (TUB2), and actin (ACT) genes revealed that the strains were grouped with strains of Trichomerium and Exophiala, respectively. For strain KNUF-23-13A, cultural and morphological differences were observed in the shape and size of mycelium between it and its phylogenetically closest species, Trichomerium lapideum CGMCC 3.17311^T, supporting the novelty of this isolated species. In the case of strain KNUF-22-020, the cultural and morphological characteristics were similar to those previously reported for E. radicis P2854^T. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we revealed KNUF-23-13A as a novel species, which we describe and name T. koreanum sp. nov., and KNUF-22-020 as Exophiala radicis, a previously unreported species in Korea.