Abstract
Key message
The genetic architecture of symbiotic N fixation and related traits was investigated in the field. QTLs were identified for percent N derived from the atmosphere, shoot [N] and C to N ratio.
Abstract
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is cultivated worldwide and is the most abundant source of plant-based protein. Symbiotic N2 fixation (SNF) in legumes such as soybean is of great importance; however, yields may still be limited by N in both high yielding and stressful environments. To better understand the genetic architecture of SNF and facilitate the development of high yielding cultivars and sustainable soybean production in stressful environments, a recombinant inbred line population consisting of 190 lines, developed from a cross between PI 442012A and PI 404199, was evaluated for N derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa), N concentration ([N]), and C to N ratio (C/N) in three environments. Significant genotype, environment and genotype × environment effects were observed for all three traits. A linkage map was constructed containing 3309 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. QTL analysis was performed for additive effects of QTLs, QTL × environment interactions, and QTL × QTL interactions. Ten unique additive QTLs were identified across all traits and environments. Of these, two QTLs were detected for Ndfa and eight for C/N. Of the eight QTLs for C/N, four were also detected for [N]. Using QTL × environment analysis, six QTLs were detected, of which five were also identified in the additive QTL analysis. The QTL × QTL analysis identified four unique epistatic interactions. The results of this study may be used for genomic selection and introgression of favorable alleles for increased SNF, [N], and C/N via marker-assisted selection.
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
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Acknowledgements
The authors gratefully acknowledge partial funding of this research by the United Soybean Board (Project #1820-172-0118-A). This research was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. We gratefully acknowledge the technical field assistance of Mr. Philip Handly, Mr. Hans Hinrichsen, and Mr. Matt Kersh in Stoneville. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture. The findings and conclusions in this publication are those of the authors and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Funding
The authors gratefully acknowledge partial funding of this research by the United Soybean Board (Project #1820–172-0118-A). This research was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.
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JRS and AP led the development of the genetic material. All authors contributed to performance of field experiments. CBK, MA, and JDR analyzed the data. CBK wrote manuscript with editing by FBF, JDR, and JRS. FBF, JDR, and JRS designed the experiment. FBF coordinated the project. All authors reviewed the manuscript.
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Krueger, C.B., Ray, J.D., Smith, J.R. et al. Identification of QTLs for symbiotic nitrogen fixation and related traits in a soybean recombinant inbred line population. Theor Appl Genet 137, 89 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-024-04591-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-024-04591-3