Soybean Breeding

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Soybean Breeding Genetics
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 states
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.
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.