This project will allow the expedition of elite variety release by utilizing speed breeding techniques to introgress economically important traits and implement genomic prediction. 1) Trait Integration: Using elite, high yielding materials created in the Core germplasm project, newly acquired high value, single gene traits can be introgressed into the elite germplasm quickly utilizing a backcrossing protocol that expedites generation turnaround time. It is much faster to add a single gene to elite background through backcrossing than to try to improve yield and add the trait simultaneously. This is a methodology similar to what is used in private companies. 2) Genomic Prediction: Genomic prediction is a technique to assist breeders to select high yielding lines before they have yield data. This methodology is used in private company breeding practices for several years and has led to significant yield gains. The goal is to add this methodology to the NDSU soybean breeding pipeline over time. This entails genotyping a subset of the F5 populations of experimental lines which have not entered yield testing and developing statistical models for yield and maturity to predict successful performance.

• Creation of high yielding varieties with herbicide traits.
• Development of a prediction tool that will facilitate more accurate selection of high yielding lines.
• Development of a prediction tool that will facilitate more accurate selection of early maturing 00 lines before being tested in their correct environment.

The trait introgression pipeline will be the final step in creation of competitive, high yielding soybean varieties with licensed herbicide traits. This improved pipeline will lead to faster creation of released varieties. The genomic prediction tool will also facilitate faster creation of high yielding varieties by assisting the breeder in decision making both for yield and maturity before conducting years of yield testing. Students will also be trained to create these prediction models which is a desirable and necessary skill set for employment both in public and private professions.

This project will directly benefit ND farmers with the creation of high yielding, disease resistant varieties that are created specifically for North Dakota. NDSU soybean varieties are typically less expensive than private company varieties. This project will allow the NDSU soybean breeding program to have yields and herbicide traits that rival private company varieties.