A partially male-sterile mutant line of soybeans,Glycine max (L.) Merr.: Characterization of the msp phenotype variation

Summary Investigations of variable expression of msp partial male sterility in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) showed that higher temperatures promote male fertility in msp homozygotes and showed that infectious agents are not intrinsic to the sterility system. Exchange grafts failed to modify fertility levels of msp msp rootstocks, Msp Msp scions, and their self-progeny. Tests for soybean mosaic virus and tobacco ringspot virus were negative in partially male-sterile plants, in control fertile plants, and in self-progeny of grafted plants. Growth-chamber experiments and field observations manifested that male fertility of msp msp plants is higher in hot environments than in cooler ones. The unexpected aberrant ratios of fertile to partially male-sterile plants observed in 1977 (Stelly & Palmer, 1980) are explainable on the basis of msp temperature sensitivity.Our observations suggest that homogeneous msp msp populations may be increased in hot environments.Research Geneticist, SEA-AR, USDA, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.     

An intersubgeneric hybrid between Glycine tomentella Hayata and the soybean,G. max (L.) Merr.

Summary The objective of the present paper is to provide information on the morphology and cytology of an intersub-generic hybrid (2n=59) between Glycine tomentella Hayata (2n=78) and G. max (L.) Merr. (2n=40) obtained through in vitro immature seed culture. The hybrid plant was slow in vegetative growth and twinning like the female parent but morphologically was intermediate between both parents for several traits. At metaphase I, the average chromosome associations and ranges for 25 cells were 44.0 I (37–51)+7.5 II (3–11). The plant was completely pollen and seed sterile. The present investigation suggests that wild perennial Glycine species can be exploited as either the male or female parent in wide hybridization programs with the soybean, G. max.     

Inheritance of male fertility restoration of the cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile line NJCMS1A of soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.]

At present, no report on inheritance of male fertility restoration has been released, yet more than 10 cytoplasmic-nuclear male-sterile soybean lines as well as their maintainers and restorers have been developed. Based on our previous work, 25 restorers for the male-sterile line NJCMS1A were identified and the inheritance of male fertility restoration for these restorers was studied. The results showed that F₁s between NJCMS1A and its restorers were completely male-fertile. The numbers of fertile and sterile plants in the F₂ population of Cross I (NJCMS1A × N23601) and Cross II (NJCMS1A × N23683) corresponded to a segregation ratio of 15:1, and the numbers of non-segregation lines, 3:1 segregation lines and 15:1 segregation lines in F_2:3 of the same two crosses fitted a 7:4:4 genotypic segregation ratio. The testcross BC₁F₁s between the F₁s of the above two crosses and NJCMS1A, NJCMS1B showed a 3:1 segregation ratio. Accordingly, it was inferred that two pairs of duplicate dominant genes controlled the male fertility restoration of NJCMS1A in both crosses. Meanwhile, F₂ of other 23 crosses between NJCMS1A and its 23 restorers showed a fertility segregation ratio of 3:1 or 15:1. The F₁s of the five testcrosses between NJCMS1A and the F₁s of five crosses selected from the above 23 crosses showed that fertility segregation was 3:1 in BC₁F₁s between NJCMS1A and F₁s of the crosses of which fertility segregation fitted 15:1 in F₂ population, while fertility segregation in BC₁F₁s was 1:1 for those fertility segregation fitted 3:1 in F₂ population. Allelism tests showed that restore genes of all restorers in the experiment were allelic to two pairs of dominant genes. All results showed that some restorers bore one pair of dominant restore gene and the others bore two pairs of duplicate dominant gene. The mechanism of F₁ male sterility of the cross N8855 × N2899 was discussed.     

Tagging the juvenile locus in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with molecular markers

Soybean cultivars carrying the `long juvenile trait' show a delayed flowering response under short day conditions. The incorporation of this character into genotypes of agronomic interest may allow a broader range of sowing dates and latitudes for a single cultivar adaptation. The objective of this work was to identify molecular markers linked to the juvenile locus in soybean. Experiments were carried out using two pairs of near isogenic lines(NILs) differing in the presence of the long juvenile trait, and RAPD markers. Four hundred primers were first screened to find polymorphism associated with the trait. Additional differences between NILs were sought by digesting the genomic DNA with five restriction enzymes. Polymorphic fragments detected between NILs were tested for linkage to the juvenile locus in the corresponding F₂ segregating populations. Marker bc357-HaeIII was linked (χ²L = 46.316) to the juvenile locus with an estimated recombination frequency of 0.13 ± 0.03in one of the genetic backgrounds studied. The fragment was cloned, sequenced and converted into a SCAR marker. Moreover,bc357-HaeIII was used as RFLP probe. Both, SCAR and RFLP generated markers linked to the juvenile locus in the two genetic backgrounds analysed. Results presented in this work can be utilised for both, the localisation of the gene associated with the character and for tagging the juvenile trait in soybean breeding programs. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genotype x Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain interactions in dinitrogen fixation and agronomic traits of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

Summary Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain G49 has been the only inoculum used in French soils. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cultivars were selected and tested according to their performances with this rhizobial strain. The aim of the present study was to determine the consequences of strain substitution on N₂ fixation abilities of various genotypes. Three genotypes and cultivar Weber, in combination with B. japonicum strain G49 or SMGS1, were cultivated in pots and tested for nitrogenase activity under differing nitrogen nutrition conditions. The reliability of ARA (acetylene reduction activity) measurement for assessing symbiotic nitrogen fixation under the experimental conditions used was checked. Genotypic variability for symbiotic fixation activity was observed with each strain under soil culture conditions; important genotype x strain interactions were also involved. These results were corroborated for the protein yield and other yield component performances of the various genotype-strain associations. Thus, in France, the replacement of strain G49 with another one might result in the alteration of the relative agronomic performances of the soybean cultivars, since N₂ fixation is considered as a major factor of soybean productivity.     

Genetic variation in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) for cookability and water absorption during cooking

Summary Improvement of cookability is an important objective in breeding of food legumes. The present study was undertaken to investigate variation in cookability in soybean. Genetic variation was observed among lines from two crosses. Absence of associations between cookability and protein content, oil content and grain yield indicate that selection for cookability can be achieved without adversely affecting the expression of these characters.     

Transgenic fertile plants of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] obtained from bombarded embryogenic tissue

This work describes the production of transgenic, fertile plants of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. The transformation method combines the advantages of somatic embryo genesis with the efficiency of particle bombardment of tissues that have a great capacity for in vitro proliferation and regeneration. The results described here represent the first report of transformation of soybean cultivars recommended for commercial growing in South Brazil using somatic embryogenesis, and may open the field for the improvement of this crop in this country by genetic engineering. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Major QTLs associated with green stem disorder insensitivity of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Green stem disorder (GSD) is one of the most serious syndromes affecting soybean (Glycine max) cultivation in Japan. In GSD, stems remain green even when pods mature. When soybean plants develop GSD, seed surfaces are soiled by tissue fluid and seed quality is deteriorated during machine harvesting. We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses for GSD insensitivity using recombinant inbred lines (RILs; n = 154) derived from a cross between an insensitive line (‘Touhoku 129’) and a sensitive leading cultivar (‘Tachinagaha’) during a 6-year evaluation. Three effective QTLs were detected. The influences of these QTLs were in the following order: qGSD1 (LG_H) > qGSD2 (LG_F) > qGSD3 (LG_L). At these three QTLs, ‘Touhoku 129’ genotypes exhibited more GSD insensitivity than ‘Tachinagaha’ genotypes. The lower incidence of GSD for ‘Touhoku129’ was attributable primarily to these three QTLs because RILs harboring a ‘Touhoku 129’ genotype at the three QTLs exhibited a GSD incidence similar to that of ‘Touhoku 129.’ Although a limitation of this study is that only one mapping population was evaluated, this QTL information and the flanking markers of these QTLs would be effective tools for resolving GSD in soybean breeding programs.     

Inheritance of long juvenile period under short day conditions for the BR80-6778 soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) line

The long juvenile period characteristic (LJP), which delays flowering under short day conditions, has been identified in soybean cultivars (Glycine max L. Merrill). This characteristic may be especially important as it increases the range of adaptation of soybean in low latitudes and gives greater flexibility for sowing periods within the same latitude. The inheritance of the long juvenile period was studied in the BR80-6778 soybean line to provide knowledge to support the development of cultivars adapted to short day conditions. Cultivars with classic flowering, Paraná, Bossier, Bragg and Davis, which flower early under short day conditions, were also used as parents in single crosses. They were crossed among themselves and with the genotypes with LJP, BR80-6778 and MG/BR 22 (Garimpo). The study was carried out under short day conditions (early sowings) in greenhouses and in the field at Embrapa National Soybean Research Center, Londrina, PR. Flowering was assessed daily. The results indicated that the BR89-6778 line shares a pair of alleles with the Paraná cultivar, and when associated with the cc allele retards flowering under short day conditions. The following genotype constitutions were attributed to the cultivars: Paraná (aaBBCC), Bossier (AabbCC), and BR80-6778 (aaBBcc). The combination of the genes aabb and aabbcc has a pronounced effect on the manifestation of the trait. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic differentiation between summer and autumn maturing cultivars of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) in Kyushy district of Japan

Summary 135 soybean landraces and pure line selections from Kyushu district fo Japan were assayed for isozyme and seed protein loci in order to determine the genetic structure groups of summer and autumn maturing cultivars. Out of the 16 tested loci, Dial, Enp, Estl, and Ti exhibited a marked difference in allelic frequency between both groups. The summer cultuvar groups had a high frequency for Dial-b, Enp-b, Estl-a and Ti-b, whereas Dial-a, Enp-a, Estl-b, and Ti-a were predominant in the autumn groups. The analysis of multi-locus genotypes revealed that both groups mostly consisted of different multi-locus genotypes. The allelic combination Dial-b Enp-b Estl-a Ti-b was most frequently observed in the summer cultivars, whereas four genootypes, Dial-a Enp-a Estl-a Ti-a, Dial-a Enp-a Estl-b Ti-a, Dial-a Enp-b Estl-b and Dial-a Enp-a Estl-b Ti-b, occupied most of the autumn cultivars. These results indicated that both groups were appreciably differentiated from each other. The summer cultivar groups also included a few accessions having the multi-locus genotypes observed predominantly in the autumn groups or Acol-b charcteristic of the landraces native to northern Japan. It seems likely that the summer cultivar groups was not phyletically derived from a single common ancestor, but partly involves the landraces with early maturity derived from northern Japan. Dial, Enp, Estl and Ti are useful genetic markers ot trace the origin and dissemination paths of Japanse soybean landraces.     

DNA fingerprinting in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) with oligonucleotide probes for simple repetitive sequences

Summary Soybean DNA fingerprints were analyzed by digoxigenin-labeled oligonucleotide probes complementary to simple repetitive sequences. The clearest and most polymorphic patterns were obtained with (AAT)₆ as a probe, with which all 47 soybean cultivars tested could be distinguished. However, DNA fingerprints of individuals within cultivars showed the same pattern. Using (CT)₈, (GAA)₅ or (AAGG)₄ as probes, clear polymorphic patterns among cultivars and accessions in the subgenus Soja (Glycine max and Glycine soja) were not observed, while quite different patterns were found in accessions in the subgenus Glycine. The results suggest that G. max and G. soja are closer in their genome structure. DNA fingerprints of reciprocal crosses between cultivars and accessions in the subgenus Soja were similar, and contained bands of both parents. In an F₂ population from these crosses, such bands segregated in a Mendelian fashion.     

New genes for resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. glycines in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and their inheritance

Bacterial leaf pustule (BLP) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. glycines is an important disease of soybean. A new resistant source, P-4-2, showing an immune reaction in controlled conditions to BLP was crossed with the susceptible cultivar Monetta to study the inheritance of resistance. All F1 plants were susceptible. The F2 population segregated 15 susceptible: 1 resistant plants indicating the presence of duplicate recessive genes controlling resistance. This was further confirmed in the F3 generation. Two recessive genes conferring high levels of resistance in soybean to Xanthomonas campestris pv. glycines under controlled conditions are being reported here for the first time. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Variation in the photoperiodic response on several characters in soybean,Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Summary The photoperiodic response on 12 characters in 40 soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, cultivars were investigated using 10-hour (short day) and 16-hour (long day) photoperiods. Seventeen cultivars showed no significant difference between photoperiods for all 12 characters. Seven cultivars showed significant difference for only one trait. Phenotypic changes in 17 cultivars may be due to factors other than photoperiod. Number of pods per plant, days to maturity, and number of nodes per plant were highly correlated with yield per plant in both photoperiods. Invariably, the cultivars which had significant differences in the numbers of flowers produced per plant between the two photoperiods also had significant differences in the numbers of pods per plant and yield. First node to flower, plant height at flowering, days to flowering, nodes at flowering, and the 100-seed weight were least influenced by the photoperiods in most of the cultivars, while the height at maturity, number of nodes at maturity, number of days to maturity, and yield were most influenced.AVRDC Journal paper 46 (78–88).     

吉林省大豆品种遗传改良过程中主要农艺性状的变化

以吉林省1923—2005年间育成的30个大豆品种为材料, 两年的研究结果表明, 大豆种子产量随育成年代呈线性增加, 根据回归方程计算, 产量从1923年的1 197.80 kg hm^-2到2005年的2 305.54 kg hm^-2, 82年来增加了 1 107.73 kg hm^-2, 平均每年增加14.60 kg hm^-2。随着产量的提高, 株高降低, 主茎直径增加, 节数增多, 节间缩短, 分枝减少。相关和通径分析表明, 产量与单株荚数、单株粒数、单株叶面积、叶面积指数和单株复叶数目呈显著正相关(P<0.05), 单株荚数和单株粒数对于产量的提高贡献最大; 产量与株高、单株分枝数和倒伏指数呈显著负相关(P<0.05), 表明大豆产量的遗传改良过程中, 植株抗倒伏能力提高, 库容量增加, 源器官叶片的同化能力增强。     

Field screening of soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) germplasm for aluminium tolerance by the use of augmented design

Summary Selection for aluminium tolerance is necessary to adapt the soya bean crop to vast areas of acid soil in the tropics such as the Brazilian Savannas (Cerrados). The breeding programmes include field testing of large numbers of varieties. The tests are laborious, time consuming and need to be repeated to minimize effects of uncontrolled environmental factors. The present results show that augmented designs are efficient in the identification of Al-tolerant genotypes. These designs (i) allow elimination of soil differences as common causes for error in comparison of entries, and (ii) can be successfully employed in genetic studies and breeding programmes for crop improvement, being more cost effective than fully replicated trials.     

大豆苗期耐淹性的遗传与QTL分析

涝害是世界上许多国家的重大自然灾害。耐涝性可分为耐湿(渍)性和耐淹性。以科丰1号(高度耐淹)×南农1138-2(不耐淹)衍生的RIL群体(NJRIKY)为材料, 以盆栽全淹条件下的存活率为耐淹性指标, 采用主基因+多基因混合遗传模型分离分析法进行遗传分析, 并利用WinQTL Cartographer Version 2.5程序的复合区间作图法(CIM)及多区间作图法(MIM)进行QTL定位。结果表明, 两次试验的耐淹性均存在超亲变异, 试验间、家系间以及试验与家系互作间的差异均极显著; NJRIKY大豆群体的耐淹性为3对等加性主基因遗传模型, 主基因遗传率为42.40%; 在QTL分析中, 用CIM和MIM共同检测到3个耐淹QTL, 分别位于A1、D1a和G连锁群上的Satt648~K418_2V、Satt531~A941V、Satt038~Satt275 (B53B~Satt038)区间, 表型贡献率为4.4%~7.6%。分离分析与QTL定位的结果相对一致, 可相互印证。     

QTL mapping of phosphorus deficiency tolerance in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth and crop productivity throughout the world. In the present study, 184 recombinant inbred line (RIL) families developed from soybean varieties Kefeng No. 1 and Nanong 1138-2 were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with P deficiency tolerance. Seven traits of plant height (HT), weight of fresh shoot (FSW), weight of fresh root (FRW), weight of dry root (DRW), length of main root (RL), phosphorus content in leaf (LP), phosphorus content in root (RP), were used as parameters to assess the phosphorus deficiency tolerance. The QTL mapping for the seven traits was performed using the program WinQTLCart. Seven QTLs were detected and mapped on two linkage groups for three traits of weight of fresh shoot, phosphorus contents in leaf and in root. The QTLs that had LOD scores more than three were detected for all of the three traits above. Most of the QTLs explained more than 10% of the total variation. The two QTLs for phosphorus content in leaf explained more than 20% of the total variation, respectively. Five QTLs were mapped on linkage group F2, and two on linkage F1. It was suggested that the genes related to phosphorus deficiency tolerance located on linkage group F in soybean.Contributed equally to this work.     

Clonal propagation of F1 hybrids as a tool in genetic studies of the soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

Summary A simple technique for the vegetative propagation of F1 hybrid soya bean plants is described. By growing 1- and 2-wk old cuttings, all treated with 1-naphtylacetic acid and the fungicide metalaxyl, average success rates of 18 and 34% respectively were obtained. Cuttings grown under a long-day regime for two months produced large numbers of F2 seeds to be used in genetic studies. This method reduced the time and effort necessary to obtain hybrid progeny.     

Production of interspecific hybrids between Glycine max and G. tomentella through embryo culture

Summary Interspecific hybrids have been obtained in an incompatible cross between Glycine max and G. tomentella through the in vitro culture of hybrid embryos. The percentage of successful pod setting in the crosses averaged 12.8% but there were marked differences depending on the soybean cultivar used as the female parent. Hybrid embryos at globular to heart stages were extracted from the embryo sac 15–25 days after pollination and cultured in vitro. Hybrid plants were successfully obtained by culturing the embryos on B5 medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l IBA followed by culture on B5 medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l TBA plus 0.25 mg/l 2-iP. The F1 plants resembled the wild male parent in growth form, but had an intermediate leaf shape between that of the parents.     

Association analysis for detecting significant single nucleotide polymorphisms for phosphorus-deficiency tolerance at the seedling stage in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.]

Tolerance to low-phosphorus soil is a desirable trait in soybean cultivars. Previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies for phosphorus-deficiency tolerance were mainly derived from bi-parental segregating populations and few reports from natural population. The objective of this study was to detect QTLs that regulate phosphorus-deficiency tolerance in soybean using association mapping approach. Phosphorus-deficiency tolerance was evaluated according to five traits (plant shoot height, shoot dry weight, phosphorus concentration, phosphorus acquisition efficiency and use efficiency) comprising a conditional phenotype at the seedling stage. Association mapping of the conditional phenotype detected 19 SNPs including 13 SNPs that were significantly associated with the five traits across two years. A novel cluster of SNPs, including three SNPs that consistently showed significant effects over two years, that associated with more than one trait was detected on chromosome 3. All favorable alleles, which were determined based on the mean of conditional phenotypic values of each trait over the two years, could be pyramided into one cultivar through parental cross combination. The best three cross combinations were predicted with the aim of simultaneously improving phosphorus acquisition efficiency and use efficiency. These results will provide a thorough understanding of the genetic basis of phosphorus deficiency tolerance in soybean.