Breeding for disease resistance in soybean: a global perspective

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and breeding
• Genomics
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production faces increasing disease pressure due to climate change.
• Breeding disease-resistant varieties is crucial for global soybean sustainability.
• Marker-assisted and genomic selection are key strategies for disease resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile a comprehensive atlas of quantitative trait loci (QTLs), genes, and alleles for disease resistance in soybean.
• To summarize genetic resources for 28 major soybean diseases globally.
• To highlight breakthroughs in soybean disease resistance gene discovery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on soybean disease resistance.
• Identification and summarization of over 800 resistant loci/alleles and linked markers.
• Emphasis on validated QTLs across multiple studies and consistent nomenclature.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive atlas of QTLs, genes, and alleles for 28 soybean diseases is presented.
• Over 800 resistance loci/alleles and their markers are summarized.
• Key breakthroughs include the characterization of soybean cyst nematode resistance genes (rhg1, Rhg4) and Phytophthora sojae resistance gene (Rps11).

Conclusions:

• The compiled atlas serves as a valuable toolbox for soybean improvement and breeding.
• Summarized genetic knowledge supports accelerated soybean breeding and translational genomics.
• Understanding genetic resistance is vital for ensuring global soybean production sustainability.