Location: Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research
Project Number: 6070-21220-070-053-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2023
End Date: Sep 30, 2024
Objective:
1. Gene discovery and genetic marker development: a) Identify and incorporate newly discovered drought tolerance genes (slow wilting and beneficial root traits) into high-yielding backgrounds.
2. Improve drought screening and selection.
Approach:
The Cooperator will be in charge of DNA genotyping, gene discovery, marker development, marker-assisted selection for drought tolerance, and screening root traits in soybean germplasm for better drought tolerance. New slow wilting resources:
Finalize the gene identification for slow wilting traits (phenotyping will be finished in FY23). The most promising lines will be evaluated for yield evaluation under control and drought conditions starting in FY24. The high drought yield index lines will be selected as new drought tolerant germplasm resources. Deep and large roots for water uptakes: Finalize the gene identification for root traits (phenotyping will be finished in FY23). The most promising lines will be evaluated for yield evaluation under control and drought conditions starting in FY24. The high drought yield index lines will be selected as new drought tolerant germplasm resources. Incorporation of drought tolerance genes into elite soybean lines: In collaboration with soybean breeders to incorporate 3 drought tolerance genes on Chrs. 3, 6, and 10 for root trait and slow canopy wilting. The Collaborator will provide gene donor sources and marker-assisted selection. Develop deep rhizoboxes to evaluate root traits during soybean growth. Evaluate root traits of newly developed drought tolerant lines and commercial varieties to understand the relationship between drought tolerance and roots.
