The Objectives of this project are to genotype two populations, to phenotype them under P limited and P sufficient soil environments, and to identify genetic markers (Quantitative Trait Loci – QTL) associated with P uptake and P use efficiency. This research will deliver QTLs that can be used to accelerate breeding of soybean with. The project is progressing as planned. We successfully completed the field aspects of the 2023 season, including the collection of biomass samples and seed samples destined for phenotyping of P concentrations. We submitted ground shoot tissue from the previous growing season for P analyses and collected new biomass samples from our population grown in P sufficient and P limited field conditions. Grinding of seed samples from the previous season has been completed and samples will be submitted for P analysis in the near future. We have received the genotypic data for our two F-6 derived mapping populations. All tissue samples from the two years are in hand or have already been submitted for P analyses for both mapping populations.

Phosphorus (P) availability in many soils under soybean production is often limited and P fertilization is required to optimize soybean yields. This research will deliver genetic markers that can be used to accelerate breeding of soybean with greater yields under low-P conditions and more efficiently utilization of P in P-sufficient conditions. The outcomes of this project ultimately may reduce fertilization costs as P fertilizer applications can be reduced in low-P environments and less P is removed from the field per unit of yield.