Quantitative trait loci underlying the development of seed composition in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

One hundred and forty-three F2:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross of soybean cultivars 'Charleston' and 'Dongnong 594' were analyzed for the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying protein or oil content at 6 different developmental stages by composite interval mapping with a mixed genetic model. The genotype x environment (GxE) interactions of the QTLs were also evaluated. Nineteen (2004) and 33 (2005) unconditional QTLs underlying seed protein or oil content at the different developmental stages were mapped onto 8 and 9 linkage groups, respectively. The proportion of phenotypic variation explained by these QTLs ranged from 6.26% to 30.52% and from 5.38% to 28.47%, respectively. Fourteen (2004) and 21 (2005) conditional QTLs underlying seed protein or oil content were mapped onto 5 and 8 linkage groups, respectively. The proportion of phenotypic variation explained by these QTLs ranged from 2.97% to 29.68% and from 5.42% to 31.96%, respectively. The numbers and types of QTLs and the genetic effect for the two traits were different at each developmental stage. However, several genomic regions that simultaneously control the development of both traits were detected. The genetic effect on protein content and oil content was opposite for loci in the marker interval Satt335-SSatt334, reflecting a negative correlation of protein content and oil content. A G x E interaction effect of some QTLs underlying protein or oil content at different growth periods was observed.