Soybean Breeding & Genetics

1. 2005 Virginia Variety Evaluation Tests VT varieties are top-yielding Research in Latham Hall will support the Soybean Breeding Program through the development and application of DNA markers. Markers save money, time, or both required to develop superior soybean varieties, and can help discover new useful genes. New DNA markers are developed when molecular information is correlated with careful observation of soybeans in the field in a process called QTL analysis. The lab allows more discovery to take place in the Breeding Program. Soybean Breeding The Soybean Breeding program develops new varieties of soybeans in support of sustainable agriculture. High yields and valuable traits contribute to agricultural profitability. Soybeans are planted on over 500,000 acres in Virginia and are the state’s most valuable crop, worth ~$100 million. Varieties must be targeted to specific geographic areas- the program focuses on Mid-Atlantic states. This program has been operating over 30 years. Molecular DNA Markers Variations at the DNA level are responsible for or associated with valuable characteristics in soybean and other crops. These DNA variations are called markers and are detectable using molecular biology techniques. Markers allow thousands of genetic lines to be assayed without observing traits directly. For example the presence or absence of a marker can determine resistance or susceptibility to disease without having to inoculate many plants with a pathogen. Soybean Breeding & Genetics Natural cross-pollination creates new genetic variation and combinations of traits. Superior soybeans are selected from thousands of genetic lines on more than 60 acres. Advanced lines are tested at many locations in VA and the Southeast. Susceptible to virus DNA marker absent Resistant to virus DNA marker present Other traits are difficult to measure because they are influenced by the environment. Molecular markers identify plants which posses genes that hard to observe directly. Markers will allow the program to add valuable new traits to Virginia soybeans, and to further contribute to the discovery and utilization of new genes. Selecting for high yields in many environments is the number one priority. We select for other characteristics including resistance to diseases and insects, quality for food, healthy oil content, early maturity, and genetic diversity. • Projects Funding • Herbicide Resistance Virginia Agriculture Council • Low Stachyose and United Soybean Board • Phytate • Small and Large Montague Farms • Soybeans for Food • Adaptation to VA VA Soybean Board • Personnel: Katy Rainey, Tom Pridgen, Lin Barrack, David Cook and others • Once a promising line is identified, it must be tested in several environments for many years. • It can take 10 years from start to finish to produce a variety.