2020
Development of Molecular Markers to Facilitate Breeding for Heat-Tolerance in Soybean
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Contributor/Checkoff:
South Carolina Soybean Board
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
GeneticsGenomics
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Sachin Rustgi, Clemson University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
20-207-xxxx-0185-234-2013753
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
South Carolina Soybean Board
$7,000
Institution Funded:
Clemson University
$7,000
Brief Project Summary:

High temperature has been identified as a primary environmental factor limiting soybean yield. The most plausible solution is developing soybean genotypes with heat-tolerance, which is constrained by complex genetics of this trait and unavailability of molecular markers to track it through generations in a breeding program. This research project is a step forward, validating the use of the heat-induced expression level changes in the soybean Fatty Acid Desaturase (FAD) genes in tolerant genotypes as markers of heat tolerance, endorsing the relationship between the FAD genes and heat tolerance and directing use of single or various combinations of mutations to breed heat-tolerance in adapted soybean genotypes. The development of the desired tools will hasten the breeding for heat-tolerance in soybean.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents, soybean breeders, seed companies

Information And Results
Project Deliverables

The molecular markers validated during this research project, and the soybean FAD gene mutants identified to confer heat tolerance in this study will serve as the raw material for the breeding soybean for heat-tolerance. Such genotypes are critically needed to sustain soybean production in the face of the predicted rise in the global temperature and to meet the future soybean demand. By identifying markers associated with heat tolerance in soybean, breeders can then use these markers to produce a more adapted soybean for SC. This would give growers in SC the ability to be able to better produce a soybean crop under heat stress, which is oftentimes a big problem for SC growers. In addition, this research will benefit soybean breeders across the rest of the US and around the globe, including the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa.

Final Project Results

Updated January 1, 2021:
Please see the attached file.

View uploaded report PDF file

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.