Genetic mapping and confirmation of quantitative trait loci for seed protein and oil contents and seed weight in soybean

Authors: PATHAN, S - University Of Missouri; VUONG, T - University Of Missouri; CLARK, K - University Of Missouri; LEE, J-D - University Of Missouri; SHANNON, J - University Of Missouri; ROBERTS, C - University Of Missouri; ELLERSIECK, M - University Of Missouri; Burton, Joseph; Cregan, Perry; HYTEN, D - Dupont Pioneer Hi-Bred; NGUYEN, H - University Of Missouri; SLEPER, D - University Of Missouri

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2013
Publication Date: 5/15/2013
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/57462
Citation: Pathan, S.M., Vuong, T., Clark, K., Lee, J., Shannon, J.G., Roberts, C.A., Ellersieck, M.R., Burton, J.W., Cregan, P.B., Hyten, D.L., Nguyen, H.T., Sleper, D.A. 2013. Genetic mapping and confirmation of quantitative trait loci for seed protein and oil contents and seed weight in soybean. Crop Science. 53:765-774.

Interpretive Summary: The levels of soybean seed protein and oil are major factors that influence the value of soybean. Premiums are offered for soybeans with higher protein and oil contents. Progeny from the crosses of Magellan, a standard soybean variety with lower seed protein and higher oil content, with two soybeans (Plant Introductions PI 438489B and PI 567516C) with lower oil content and higher protein were grown in field trials to evaluate seed protein and oil content. DNA of the progeny was also analyzed with simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA markers in order to determine the positions of quantitative trait loci (QTL/genes) controlling seed protein and oil content and seed weight. Using the resulting data, seven QTL/genes for seed protein content, six for oil content and four for seed weight were identified. These findings will be of assistance to soybean geneticists to discover the specific genes that control seed protein and oil content and seed weight. Also, the SSR and SNP DNA markers associated with the QTL/genes discovered from this research can be used by soybean breeders in marker assisted selection for the development of soybeans with higher seed protein and oil contents.

Technical Abstract: Demand for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal has increased worldwide and soybean importers often offer premiums for soybean containing higher contents of protein and oil. Objectives were to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with soybean seed protein, oil, and seed weight in a soybean mapping population and confirm detected QTL across genetic backgrounds and environments. Two populations of 216 and 156 recombinant inbred lines were developed from Magellan × PI 438489B and Magellan × PI 567516C crosses, respectively, and grown in two Missouri environments in 2008. More than 900 simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used for mapping in each population. Across environments and genetic backgrounds, we have identified seven QTL for protein, six for oil, and four for seed weight. Two QTL were detected in common for protein and oil, one on chromosome (Chr.) 5 and another on Chr. 6. Additionally, we have detected one new seed weight QTL on Chr. 6, in the same region of protein and oil QTL. Confirmed protein and oil QTL on Chrs. 5 and 6 may be important targets to find candidate genes involved in modification of protein and oil contents and seed weight using genetic and genomic approaches. Also, SSR and SNP markers closely associated with these QTL can be useful for marker-assisted selection