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Novel QTL for Low Seed Cadmium Accumulation in Soybean
Nour Nissan1,2, Julia Hooker1,2, Arezo Pattang1,2
1Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 14, 2022
Summary
Researchers identified a new gene linked to low seed cadmium in soybeans and confirmed a known gene, aiding the development of safer food and animal feed. This helps soybean farmers meet European Union cadmium limits for international trade.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Agricultural science
- Food safety
Background:
- Soybean is a crucial crop for animal feed and human food.
- Minimizing cadmium (Cd) in soybean seeds is vital to prevent human exposure.
- Meeting the European Union's (EU) cadmium limit of 0.2 mg kg-1 is essential for international trade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate seed cadmium accumulation in two soybean recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations (X5154 and X4050).
- To identify genetic loci associated with low seed cadmium concentration.
- To develop molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding.
Main Methods:
- Construction of linkage maps using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers.
- Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to identify genes controlling cadmium accumulation.
- Gene identification through gene ontology search within QTL regions.
- Development of Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) and Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence (CAPS/dCAPS) markers.
Main Results:
- A novel minor QTL for seed cadmium accumulation was identified on chromosome 13 in the X4050 population.
- Seven candidate genes, including Glyma.13G308700 and Glyma.13G309100, were identified within the QTL region.
- The known major cadmium accumulation gene, Cda1, was confirmed in the X5154 population.
- Efficient KASP and CAPS/dCAPS markers were developed for marker-assisted breeding of Cda1.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors influencing seed cadmium accumulation in soybeans have been identified.
- The findings facilitate marker-assisted breeding for low cadmium soybean cultivars.
- This research supports the production of soybeans compliant with international food safety standards.
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