Inheritance of resistance and genetic relationships among soybean plant introductions to races of soybean cyst nematode

Summary The objectives of this study were to determine if genes for resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) in soybean PI 437654 were identical or different from the genes in Peking, and PI 90763. The F₂ plants and F₃ families were studied from crosses between PI 437654, Peking, and PI 90763. The cross PI 437654 × susceptible Essex was included to determine inheritance of resistance to SCN. For Race 3, PI 437654 was found to have genes in common with Peking and PI 90763. The segregation in PI 437654 × Essex indicated the presence of one dominant and two recessive genes. For Race 5, PI 437654 indicated the presence of similar genes as those in PI 90763 and Peking whereas, PI 437654 × Essex indicated the action of the segregation ratios of two dominant and two recessive genes. For Race 14, the data from the cross PI 437654 × PI 90763 indicated monogenic inheritance with resistance being dominant; whereas PI 437654 × Peking showed a recessive gene controlling resistance. The segregation in PI 437654(R) × Essex(S) suggested one dominant and two recessive genes for Race 14 reaction.     

Inheritance of resistance in soybean PI 567516C to LY1 nematode population infecting cv. Hartwig

Worldwide, cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines is the most destructive pathogen on cultivated soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). In the USA yield losses in 2001 were estimated to be nearly 60 million dollars. Crop losses are primarily reduced by the use of resistant cultivars. Nematode populations are variable and have adapted to reproduce on resistant cultivars overtime because resistance primarily traces to two soybean accessions. Recently cv. Hartwig was released which has comprehensive resistance to most SCN populations. A virulent nematode population LY1 was recently selected for its reproduction on Hartwig. LY1 population originated from a mass mating of Race 2 (HG Type 1.2.5-) females with Race 5 (HG Type 1.2-) males. LY1 nematode population infects currently known sources of resistance except PI 567516C. The female indices obtained on PI 567516C and Hartwig were 7% (resistant) and 155% (susceptible), respectively. However, the genetic basis of LY1 resistance in soybean PI 567516C is not known. Resistant PI line 567516C was crossed to susceptible cultivar Hartwig to generate 105 F_2:5 families. These families together with parents, seven indicator lines and a susceptible control cv. Lee-74 were evaluated for response to LY1 nematode population in the greenhouse. Chi-square analysis showed resistance in PI567516C to LY1 was conditioned by one dominant and two recessive genes (Rhg, rhg, rhg). Chi-square value was 0.15 and P = 0.70. This information will be useful to soybean researchers for developing resistant cultivars to nematode population that infects Hartwig.     

大豆对胞囊线虫(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) 1号和4号生理小种抗性的遗传分析

大豆胞囊线虫(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)是我国大豆的全国性主要病害之一。1号和4号生理小种是黄淮地区的优势小种。以Essex×ZDD2315、Peking×ZDD2315、PI88788×ZDD2226、Peking×ZDD2226的P₁、P₂、F₁、BC₁F₂为材料,用主基因＋多基因混合遗传模型分析大豆对胞囊线虫1号和4号生理小种抗性的遗传机制。结果表明,ZDD2315、ZDD2226对1号生理小种的抗性受主效基因控制,未发现多基因效应,且与Peking存在相同的抗病基因;抗性遗传表现组合特异性,Essex×ZDD2315组合为3对加性主基因遗传模型,主基因遗传率72.02%,PI88788×ZDD2226组合为2对显性上位主基因遗传模型,主基因遗传率62.33%。对4号生理小种的抗性为主基因＋多基因混合遗传模型,Essex×ZDD2315、Peking×ZDD2315、PI88788×ZDD2226等3个组合为3对主基因+多基因遗传模型,主基因遗传率分别为67.76%、72.46%和53.25%,多基因遗传率分别为24.48%、21.31%和35.77%;Peking×ZDD2226表现为2对主基因遗传模型,主基因遗传率45.40%。抗性基因表现为隐性,育种上可以在早代选择。培育多抗品种应以抗4号生理小种为主要目标进行基因聚合。     

Genetic analysis of resistance to soybean cyst nematode in PI 438489B

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) plant introduction PI 438489B is a unique source that has resistance to all known populations of soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, SCN). This PI line also has many desirable agronomic characteristics, which makes it an attractive source of SCN resistance for use in a soybean breeding program. However, characterization of SCN resistance genes in this PI line have not been fully researched. In this study, we investigated the inheritance of resistance to populations of SCN races 1, 2, 3, 5, and 14 in PI 438489B. PI 438489B was crossed to the susceptible cultivar ‘Hamilton’ to generate F₁ hybrids. The random F₂ plants and F₃ lines were evaluated in the greenhouse for reaction to these five populations of SCN races. Resistance to SCN races 1, 3, and 5 were mostly conditioned by three genes (Rhg Rhg rhg). Resistance to race 2 was controlled by four genes (Rhg rhg rgh rgh). Three recessive genes were most likely involved in giving resistance to race 14. We further concluded that resistance to different populations of SCN races may share some common genes or pleiotropic effects may be involved. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

QTLs associated with resistance in soybean PI567516C to synthetic nematode population infecting cv. Hartwig

Worldwide, soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is the most destructive pathogen of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Crop losses are primarily mitigated by the use of resistant cultivars. Nematode populations are variable and have adapted to reproduce on resistant cultivars over time because resistance primarily traces to two soybean accessions, Plant Introduction (PI) 88788 and Peking. Soybean cultivar Hartwig, derived primarily from PI437654, was released for its comprehensive resistance to most SCN populations. A synthetic nematode population (LY1) was recently selected for its reproduction on Hartwig. The LY1 nematode population currently infects known sources of resistance except soybean PI567516C; however, the resistance to LY1 has not been characterized. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying resistance to the LY1 SCN population in PI567516C, identify diagnostic DNA markers for the LY1 resistance, and confirm their utility for marker-assisted selection (MAS). Resistant soybean line PI567516C was crossed to susceptible cultivar Hartwig to generate 105 recombinant inbred lines (F₂-derived F₅ families). QTLs were mapped using simple sequence repeats (SSRs) covering 20 Linkage Groups (LGs) and three diagnostic markers, Satt592, Satt331, and Sat_274, were identified on LG O. These markers have a combined efficacy of 90% in identifying resistant lines in a second cross that has been generated by crossing a susceptible cultivar 5601T with resistant PI567516C. F₂-derived F₄ segregating population was used in MAS to identify resistant lines.     

大豆对胞囊线虫(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) 1号和4号生理小种抗性的遗传分析

大豆胞囊线虫(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)是我国大豆的全国性主要病害之一。1号和4号生理小种是黄淮地区的优势小种。以Essex×ZDD2315、Peking×ZDD2315、PI88788×ZDD2226、Peking×ZDD2226的P₁、P₂、F₁、BC₁F₂为材料，用主基因＋多基因混合遗传模型分析大豆对胞囊线虫1号和4号生理小种抗性的遗传机制。结果表明，ZDD2315、ZDD2226对1号生理小种的抗性受主效基因控制，未发现多基因效应，且与Peking存在相同的抗病基因；抗性遗传表现组合特异性，Essex×ZDD2315组合为3对加性主基因遗传模型，主基因遗传率72.02%，PI88788×ZDD2226组合为2对显性上位主基因遗传模型，主基因遗传率62.33%。对4号生理小种的抗性为主基因＋多基因混合遗传模型，Essex×ZDD2315、Peking×ZDD2315、PI88788×ZDD2226等3个组合为3对主基因+多基因遗传模型，主基因遗传率分别为67.76%、72.46%和53.25%，多基因遗传率分别为24.48%、21.31%和35.77%；Peking×ZDD2226表现为2对主基因遗传模型，主基因遗传率45.40%。抗性基因表现为隐性，育种上可以在早代选择。培育多抗品种应以抗4号生理小种为主要目标进行基因聚合。     

优良品系中品03-5373系谱的遗传解析及抗大豆胞囊线虫病相关标记鉴定

中品03-5373是高抗大豆胞囊线虫(soybean cyst nematode,SCN) 3号生理小种的优良大豆新种质,可追溯到10个祖先亲本,其中包括灰皮支黑豆、Peking和PI437654等国内外SCN主要抗源。本研究利用152个SSR标记对中品03-5373及其亲本进行鉴定,共发现等位变异437个,每个标记的等位变异范围为2~5个,平均为2.9个。亲缘关系分析表明11份材料间的遗传一致度变化范围为0.2430~0.8224,平均为0.458,4个SSR标记(Satt152、Satt179、Barcsoyssr_18_107和Satt196)形成的单倍型可以将11份材料区别开来。系谱追踪阐明了育种对基因组组成变化的作用,发现中品03-5373亲本中以灰皮支黑豆贡献的等位变异最多(39个),PI437654次之(6个)。通过系谱追踪筛选到与SCN 3抗性相关的候选标记20个,为进一步克隆抗病基因和选择有效的标记组合进行分子育种提供了依据。     

A single dominant gene in McCall soybean prevents effective nodulation with Rhizobium fredii USDA257

Summary Rhizobium fredii USDA257 will effectively nodulate Asiatic and unimproved soybean cultivars, such as Peking, but most of the highly selected North American cultivars, such as McCall, produce at most rudimentary, ineffective nodules. In R. fredii USDA 257, a locus containing 6 open reading frames is responsible for this cultivar specific incompatibility. To examine the genetic control of incompatability on the part of the host, the soybean cultivars Peking and McCall were crossed to produce five F₁ progeny. These plants and their selfed progeny were tested for nodulation with USDA257. Resistance to nodulation was found to be conditioned by a single dominant gene. These results indicate that, in soybean, strain specific resistance to nodulation can result from gene(s)-for-gene interactions.     

Genetic relationships of soybean cyst nematode resistance originated in Gedenshirazu and PI84751 on Rhg1 and Rhg4 loci

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is one of the most damaging pests of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Host plant resistance has been the most effective control method. Because of the spread of multiple SCN races in Hokkaido, the Tokachi Agricultural Experiment Station has bred soybeans for SCN resistance since 1953 by using 2 main resistance resources PI84751 (resistant to races 1 and 3) and Gedenshirazu (resistant to race 3). In this study, we investigated the genetic relationships of SCN resistance originating from major SCN resistance genes in Gedenshirazu and PI84751 by using SSR markers. We confirmed that race 1 resistance in PI84751 was independently controlled by 4 genes, 2 of which were rhg1 and Rhg4. We classified the PI84751- type allele of Rhg1 as rhg1-s and the Gedenshirazu-type allele of Rhg1 as rhg1-g. In the cross of the Gedenshirazu-derived race 3-resistant lines and the PI84751-derived races 1- and 3-resistant lines, the presence of rhg1-s and Rhg4 was responsible for race 1-resistance. These results indicated that it was possible to select race 1 resistant plants by using marker-assisted selection for the rhg1-s and Rhg4 alleles through a PI84751 origin × Gedenshirazu origin cross.     

大豆遗传图谱的构建和抗胞囊线虫(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)的QTL分析

大豆胞囊线虫1号和4号生理小种是黄淮地区的优势小种,ZDD2315是我国特优抗源。本文旨在定位ZDD2315对1号和4号生理小种抗性的QTL。试验以Essex为母本,ZDD2315为父本和轮回亲本,创建了一个包含114个单株的BC1群体。采用250个SSR标记和1个形态标记通过MAPMAKER 3.0构建了包含25个连锁群的遗传图谱,覆盖大豆基因组2 963.5 cM     

Genetic and molecular characterization of resistance to Heterodera glycines race isolates 1, 3, and 5 in Peking

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, has caused severe damage to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] worldwide since its discovery in 1954. ‘Peking’ is one of the most important sources in breeding SCN resistant soybean cultivars because it is resistant to Races 1, 3, and 5. Genetic information on SCN Races 1, 3, and 5 from Peking is essential to efficiently develop resistant soybean cultivars. Resistance to Race 3 in Peking was found to be controlled by three genes, but little is known on the inheritance of resistance to Races 1 and 5, and whether alleles conditioning resistance to Races 1 and 5 belong to the same linkage group and are allelic to genes giving resistance to Race 3. To determine the genetic bases of resistance to SCN Races 1, 3, and 5, Peking was crossed to the susceptible line ‘Essex’ to generate F₁ hybrids. The F₂ population and F _2:3 families were advanced from the F₁ and evaluated for resistance to SCN Race isolates 1, 3, and 5. Resistance to H. glycines Race isolates 1, 3, and 5 in Peking was found to be conditioned by three genes, one dominant and two recessive (Rhg, rhg, rhg). Peking may share similar sets of resistance loci between Races 1 and 3, but not between Races 3 and 5, or between Races 1 and 5. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Characterization of resistance to Aphis glycines in soybean accessions

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is a pest of soybean [Glycine max L. (Merrill)] in Asia, and its recent establishment in North America has led to large, recurring outbreaks that have challenged pest management practitioners there to seek environmentally responsible means for its control. Growth-chamber experiments were conducted to determine and characterize host-plant resistance among several soybean accessions. Soybean plants were first screened for resistance by rating the population growth of A. glycines in two tests. All plants of PI 230977 and 25% of PI 71506 plants were resistant (≤100 aphids per plant) in the first screening test. All ‘Dowling’, PI 71506 and PI 230977 were resistant (≤150 aphids per plant), and 50% of plants of line ‘G93-9223’ were resistant in the second test. Follow-up experiments showed that antixenosis was a modality of resistance based on reduced nymphiposition by A. glycines on Dowling, PI 230977 and PI 71506 in no-choice tests and on fewer numbers of A. glycines on Dowling, PI 230977, PI 71506 and G93-5223 in distribution tests. Antixenosis in Dowling and PI 230977 was stronger in the unifoliolate leaves than in other shoot structures, whereas distribution of A. glycines within plants of PI 71506 and G93-5223 suggested comparable suitability between unifoliolate leaves and other shoot structures of these accessions. Antibiosis to A. glycines was evident as a lower proportion of aphids that reproduced on PI 230977 and from fewer progeny on PI 230977 and Dowling than on 91B91. The number of days from birth to reproduction by A. glycines did not differ among accessions. Results confirmed Dowling and PI 71506 as strong sources of resistance to A. glycines. The levels of antixenosis and antibiosis to A. glycines in PI 230977 and antixenosis to A. glycines in G93-9223 suggest that these accessions may also be valuable to soybean breeding programs as sources of resistance.     

大豆遗传图谱的构建和抗胞囊线虫(Heterodera glycines Ichinohe)的QTL分析

大豆胞囊线虫1号和4号生理小种是黄淮地区的优势小种，ZDD2315是我国特优抗源。本文旨在定位ZDD2315对1号和4号生理小种抗性的QTL。试验以Essex为母本，ZDD2315为父本和轮回亲本，创建了一个包含114个单株的BC1群体。采用250个SSR标记和1个形态标记通过MAPMAKER 3.0构建了包含25个连锁群的遗传图谱，覆盖大豆基因组2 963.5 cM     

Genetics of Cyst Nematode Resistance in Soybean PIs 467312 and 507354

Soybean Cyst nematode (SCN) Heterodera glycines Ichinohe is the most serious pest of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the world and genetic resistance in soybean cultivars have been the most effective means of control. Nematode populations, however, are variable and have adapted to reproduce on resistant cultivars over time due mainly to the narrow genetic base of SCN resistance in G. max. The majority of the resistant cultivars trace to two soybean accessions. It is hoped that new sources of resistance might provide durable resistance. Soybean plant introductions PI 467312 and PI 507354, are unique because they provide resistance to several nematode populations, i.e. SCN HG types 0, 2.7, and 1.3.6.7 (corresponding to races 3, 5, and 14) and HG types 2.5.7, 0, and 2.7 (corresponding to races 1, 3, and 5), respectively. The genetic basis of SCN resistance in these PIs is not yet known. We have investigated the inheritance of resistance to SCN HG types 0, 2.7, and 1.3.6.7 (races 3, 5, and14) in PI467312 and the SCN resistance to SCN HG types 2.5.7 and 2.7 (races 1 and 5) in PI 507354. PI 467312 was crossed to ‘Marcus’, a susceptible cultivar to generate F₁ hybrids, 196 random F₂ individuals, and 196 F_2:3 families (designated as Pop 467). PI 507354 and the cultivar Hutcheson, susceptible to all known SCN races, were crossed to generate F₁ hybrids, 225 random F₂ individuals and 225 F_2:3 families (designated as Pop 507). The F_2:3 families from each cross were evaluated for responses to the specific SCN HG types in the greenhouse. Chi-square (χ²) analyses showed resistance from PI 467312 to HG types 2.7, and 1.3.6.7 (races 5 and 14) in Pop 467 were conditioned by one dominant and two recessive genes (Rhg rhg rhg) and resistance to HG type 0 (race 3) was controlled by three recessive genes (rhg rhg rhg). The 225 F_2:3 progenies in Pop 507 showed a segregation of 2:223 (R:S) for response to both HG types 2.5.7 and 2.7 (corresponding to races 1 and 5). The Chi-square analysis showed SCN resistance from PI 507354 fit a one dominant and 3 recessive gene model (Rhg rhg rhg rhg). This information will be useful to soybean breeders who use these sources to develop SCN resistant cultivars. The complex inheritance patterns determined for the two PIs are similar to the three and four gene models for other SCN resistance sources known to date.     

Evaluation of wild perennial Glycine species for resistance to soybean cyst nematode and soybean rust

The genetic base for soybean cultivars is narrow compared to most other crop species. Twenty-seven wild perennial Glycine species comprise the tertiary gene pool to soybean that may contain many genes of economic importance for soybean improvement. We evaluated 16 accessions of G. argyrea, G. clandestina, G. dolichocarpa, and G. tomentella for resistance to Heterodera glycines (HG), also known as the soybean cyst nematode, and to multiple isolates of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the causal fungus of soybean rust. All 16 accessions were classified as resistant to H. glycines HG Type 2.5.7, based on number of cysts per root mass with plant introductions (PIs) 483227, 509501, 563892, and 573064 (all G. tomentella) void of any cysts indicating no reproduction by this pest. All 16 accessions had an immune reaction to one isolate of P. pachyrhizi. Regardless of isolate, no sporulating uredinia were observed on G. argyrea (PI 505151) and G. tomentella (PIs 483227, 509501, and 573064). These results demonstrate that some accessions within the perennial Glycine species harbour resistance to both H. glycines and P. pachyrhizi and would be good candidates for wide hybridization programs seeking to transfer potentially unique multiple resistance genes into soybean.     

Confirmation of quantitative trait loci for resistance to multiple-HG types of soybean cyst nematode (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Heterodera glycines</Emphasis> Ichinohe)

Genetic analysis of resistance of plant introduction (PI) 438489B to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) have shown that this PI is highly resistant to many SCN HG types. However, validation of the previously detected quantitative trait loci (QTL) has not been done. In this study, 250 F_2:3 progeny of a Magellan (susceptible) × PI 438489B (resistant) cross were used for primary genetic mapping to detect putative QTL for resistance to five SCN HG types. QTL confirmation study was subsequently conducted using F_6:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the same cross. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were employed for molecular genotyping. Interval mapping (IM), permutation tests, cofactor selection, and composite interval mapping (CIM) were performed to identify and map QTL. Results showed that five QTL intervals were associated with resistance to either multiple- or single-HG types of SCN. Among these, two major QTL for resistance to multiple-SCN HG types were mapped to chromosomes (Chr.) 8 and 18, consistent with the known rhg1 and Rhg4 locations. The other QTL were mapped to Chr. 4. The results of our study confirmed earlier reported SCN resistance QTL in this PI. Moreover, SSR and SNP molecular markers tightly linked to these QTL can be useful for the near-isogenic lines (NILs) development aiming to fine-mapping of these QTL regions and map-based cloning of SCN resistance candidate genes.     

RNA silencing as a tool to uncover gene function and engineer novel traits in soybean

RNA silencing refers collectively to diverse RNA-mediated pathways of nucleotide-sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression. It has been used to analyze gene function and engineer novel traits in various organisms. Here, we review the application of RNA silencing in soybean. To produce soybean lines, in which a particular gene is stably silenced, researchers have frequently used a transgene that transcribes inverted repeats of a target gene segment. Suppression of gene expression in developing soybean embryos has been one of the main focuses of metabolic engineering using transgene-induced silencing. Plants that have enhanced resistance against diseases caused by viruses or cyst nematode have also been produced. Meanwhile, Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation has been used to induce RNA silencing in roots, which enabled analysis of the roles of gene products in nodulation or disease resistance. RNA silencing has also been induced using viral vectors, which is particularly useful for gene function analysis. So far, three viral vectors for virus-induced gene silencing have been developed for soybean. One of the features of the soybean genome is the presence of a large number of duplicated genes. Potential use of RNA silencing technology in combination with forward genetic approaches for analyzing duplicated genes is discussed.     

Assessment of conditions affecting Agrobacterium-mediated soybean transformation using the cotyledonary node explant

Conditions affecting Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], including seed vigor of explant source, selection system, and cocultivation conditions, were investigated. A negative correlation between seed sterilization duration and seed vigor, and a positive correlation between seed vigor and regenerability of explants were observed in the study, suggesting that use of high vigor seed and minimum seed sterilization duration can further improve transformation efficiency. Selection schemes using glufosinate or bialaphos as selective agents in vitro were assessed. Glufosinate selection enhanced soybean transformation as compared to bialaphos. The use of 6 mg L^-1 glufosinate during shoot induction and shoot elongation stages yielded higher final transformation efficiency ranging from 2.0% to 6.3% while bialaphos at 4 to 6 mg L^-1 gave 0% to 2.1% efficiency. Including cysteine and DTT during cocultivation increased the transformation efficiency from 0.2–0.9% to 0.6–2.9%. This treatment also improved T-DNA transfer as indicated by enhanced transient GUS expression. Shoot regeneration and Agrobacterium infection were attained in twelve soybean cultivars belonging to maturity groups I-VI. These cultivars maybe amenable to genetic transformation and may provide a valuable tool in soybean improvement programs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Durability of resistance against potato cyst nematodes

A requirement for evaluating the effectiveness of major resistance genes (R-genes) is detailed knowledge of the genetic variability of the nematode populations in an area. Obtaining insight in the genetic variation in an area is a tour de force, because qualitative data are not sufficient allele frequency data at well studied loci are required. Another important step in predicting the durability of major R-genes is to study the parasite at the molecular level. Also for nematodes it seems that R-genes are part of a molecular surveillance system recognising foreign molecules. For potato cyst nematodes it is becoming clear that numerous proteins are secreted to manipulate the host plant and it may be assumed that some of these secretory proteins are also recognised by the host. Knowledge of the molecular nature and function of these avirulence gene products may reveal clues to predict the durability of an R-gene. R-genes that recognise avirulence gene products that have a crucial function in the nematode maybe very durable. When the current molecular models for gene-for-gene interactions are correct, the durability of an R-gene may be predicted by studying the dispensability factor and functional constraints of the avirulence gene products. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Resistance and partial resistance to Phytophthora sojae in early maturity group soybean plant introductions

Phytophthora sojae, an important yield limiting pathogen of soybean, causes seed, seedling, root, and stem rots. Losses caused by P. sojae can be controlled by both major gene and partial resistance. Early maturity group (MG) soybeans are an increasingly important crop in northwestern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Early MG plant introductions (PIs) from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection and early MG public and private cultivars were evaluated for resistance and partial resistance to P. sojae. Of the 113 PIs, PI438445, and PI438454 exhibited resistance to P. sojae races 4, 7, 17, and 28 indicating they may possess either Rps1c, Rps1k, previously unidentified or multiple resistance gene to Phytophthora sojae (Rps) genes. Because they exhibited partial resistance equal to or greater than the standard check cultivar Conrad, three early MG soybean cultivars (MN0902, MN0302, and 91B53) were selected as standard checks to evaluate early MG PIs for partial resistance. Sixty-nine PIs were evaluated for partial resistance to P. sojae races 7 and 25 using the inoculum layer method. Of this group of PIs, 22 had the same level of partial resistance as Conrad to P. sojae race 7 while 19 had the same degree of partial resistance to race 25. Twelve PIs had same level of partial resistance as Conrad to both P. sojae races 7 and 25. The PIs and cultivars identified in this study will be of great value in developing early MG soybean cultivars suitable for planting in Canada and the northern United States.