Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci for seed quality traits in an interspecific soybean population (Glycine soja)

The value of soybean seed may be increased by improving the concentrations of protein and linolenic acid (C18:3). The objectives of this study were three-fold: (1) to evaluate Glycine soja Siebold et Zuccarinin as a source of high protein and C18:3, (2) to identify genetic markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for protein and C18:3, and (3) to determine if nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) oil readings could be used to select for high protein. A genetic linkage map was constructed by genotyping an interspecific F2 population with 150 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. F2 plants with high protein and high C18:3 concentrations were obtained. Markers significantly associated (p < 0.01) with QTLs for protein and C18:3 were identified. Selection for low NMR oil readings was effective in obtaining high protein plants. The results of this study indicate that G. soja could be used to increase seed protein and C18:3 in G. max using molecular markers associated with the identified QTL.