Identification and Confirmation of SSR Markers and QTL for Seed Calcium Content and Hardness of Soybean

The health benefits and the nutritional values of soyfood products have expanded the demand for food-grade soybean varieties. For whole soyfood products such as natto, small seeded varieties with proper texture are essential. Seed calcium content and hardness are main factors in determining the seed texture. Utilizing molecular markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for marker assisted selection (MAS) has been an efficient technique for breeders. To find molecular markers associated with a trait is an initial step. The confirmation of QTL in different environments and in different genetic backgrounds is important for MAS. The objectives of this research were to identify SSR markers and QTL associated with seed calcium content and hardness, to confirm previously reported QTL in different genetic backgrounds using mapping populations and advanced breeding lines, and to identify correlation between seed calcium content and hardness. RILs derived from KS4303sp (low calcium/soft-seeded) x PI 407818 B (high calcium/hard-seeded) and PI 407818 B (high calcium) x PI 408052 C (low calcium) were analyzed to identify SSR markers and QTL for seed calcium content and hardness. These RIL populations were grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications, at Fayetteville, AR and Keiser, AR in 2008 and 2009. Interval mapping for the SSR markers revealed a new putative QTL Ca5 for seed calcium content. This QTL is linked to the markers Sat_290 and Satt115 on chromosome 18. In addition, regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 18, and 20 contained environmentally stable markers significantly associated with seed calcium content. RIL population derived from KS4303sp x PI 407818 B was used to identify SSR markers and QTL associated with seed hardness. Interval mapping for the SSR markers revealed a new putative QTL associated with seed hardness. This QTL is linked to the markers Satt547 and Satt414 on chromosome 16. Single marker analysis also revealed 12 markers associated with seed hardness on 7 different chromosomes of soybean. One hundred sixty four advanced breeding lines derived from six different crosses with contrasting seed calcium content and hardness and the population derived from KS4303sp x PI 407818 B were used to identify correlation between these two traits. Most of the populations showed positive correlation between seed calcium content and hardness. One hundred sixty four advanced breeding lines from six crosses also were used to confirm previously reported and newly identified QTL for seed calcium content and hardness. Previously reported calcium QTL (Ca1, Ca2, and Ca4) and newly identified QTL (Ca5) were confirmed in these advanced lines. In addition, markers Satt267 and Sat_345 on chromosome 1, Sat_288 on chromosome 7, Sat_228, Satt341, Sat_392 on chromosome 8, Satt547 on chromosome 16, and Satt002 on chromosome 17 were most consistent markers associated with calcium content across populations and environments. Previously reported hardness QTL (Ha1 and Ha2) and newly identified QTL (Ha3) were confirmed in these advanced lines. Moreover, markers Satt267 on chromosome 1, Satt680 on chromosome 7, Satt341 on chromosome 8, and Sct_010 on chromosome 19 were stable across populations and environments for seed hardness. Most consistent markers across populations and environments are the best candidates for MAS. Findings of this research will facilitate MAS for seed calcium content and hardness in soybean breeding programs for food grade soybeans

Soybean cultivar UA 5715GT

A soybean cultivar designated UA 5715GT is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar UA 5715GT, to the plants of soybean cultivar UA 5715GT, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar UA 5715GT, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar UA 5715GT. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar UA 5715GT. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar UA 5715GT, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar UA 5715GT with another soybean cultivar

Soybean cultivar UA Mulberry

A soybean cultivar designated UA Mulberry is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar UA Mulberry, to the plants of soybean cultivar UA Mulberry, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar UA Mulberry, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar UA Mulberry. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar UA Mulberry. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar UA Mulberry, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar UA Mulberry with another soybean cultivar

Soybean cultivar R10-230

A soybean cultivar designated R10-230 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar R10-230, to the plants of soybean cultivar R10-230, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar R10-230, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar R10-230. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar R10-230. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar R10-230, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar R10-230 with another soybean cultivar

Evaluation of seed chemical quality traits and sensory properties of natto soybean

a b s t r a c t Natto is a popular soyfood in Japan, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of natto soybeans. However, information on natto seed chemical and sensory properties is very limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate differences of seed chemical and sensory properties among natto types and determine heritability and correlation. A total of 15 small-seeded natto genotypes (three superior, nine moderate and three inferior) were evaluated for protein, oil, calcium, manganese, boron and sugar content and processed into a natto product to evaluate appearance, stickiness, flavor, texture and shelf-life. The superior natto group had a higher sugar content but lower protein plus oil, calcium, manganese and boron content than other two groups. Most seed quality traits exhibited high heritability. The natto sensory preference was positively correlated with sucrose and oil content, but negatively correlated with seed hardness, protein, protein plus oil, calcium, manganese, and boron contents. Selecting soybean lines with low protein, protein plus oil, calcium, manganese, and boron content while with high sucrose will be an effective approach for soybean breeding for natto production. Published by Elsevier Ltd