Frontiers in Plant Science (May 2024)

Genome-wide association studies reveal novel QTLs for agronomic traits in soybean

  • Dongwei Han,
  • Dongwei Han,
  • Xi Zhao,
  • Di Zhang,
  • Zhen Wang,
  • Zhijia Zhu,
  • Haoyue Sun,
  • Zhongcheng Qu,
  • Lianxia Wang,
  • Zhangxiong Liu,
  • Xu Zhu,
  • Ming Yuan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2024.1375646
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15

Abstract

Read online

IntroductionSoybean, as a globally significant crop, has garnered substantial attention due to its agricultural importance. The utilization of molecular approaches to enhance grain yield in soybean has gained popularity.MethodsIn this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 156 Chinese soybean accessions over a two-year period. We employed the general linear model (GLM) and the mixed linear model (MLM) to analyze three agronomic traits: pod number, grain number, and grain weight. ResultsOur findings revealed significant associations between qgPNpP-98, qgGNpP-89 and qgHGW-85 QTLs and pod number, grain number, and grain weight, respectively. These QTLs were identified on chromosome 16, a region spanning 413171bp exhibited associations with all three traits. DiscussionThese QTL markers identified in this study hold potential for improving yield and agronomic traits through marker-assisted selection and genomic selection in breeding programs.

Keywords