Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 255-263 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 255 Feature Review Open Access The Impact of Marker-Assisted Selection on Soybean Yield and Disease Resistance Xiaomei Wang, Guohong Sun, Haide Xu, Changyuan Liu, Yanping Wang Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mudanjiang Branch, Mudanjiang, 157000, Heilongjiang, China Corresponding author: wyping1981@126.com Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0026 Received: 02 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 11 Oct., 2024 Published: 03 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang X.M., Sun G.H., Xu H.D., Liu C.Y., and Wang Y.P., 2024, The impact of marker-assisted selection on soybean yield and disease resistance, Bioscience Methods, 15(6): 255-263 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0026) Abstract Soybean (Glycine max) is a crucial crop for global food security and agricultural sustainability, with breeding efforts focusing on improving yield and disease resistance. This study explores the role of Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in accelerating genetic improvement for these traits in soybean. We systematically studythe principles and types of genetic markers used in MAS, including simple sequence repeats (SSRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and highlight recent technological advancements such as high-throughput genotyping platforms and the integration of genomic selection (GS). Two case studies illustrate the practical impact of MAS: one on the development of high-yielding soybean varieties and another on enhancing resistance against soybean cyst nematode (SCN). While MAS has led to substantial gains in yield and resistance, its application is not without challenges, including technical, genetic, and economic constraints. This studyconcludes with a discussion on future perspectives for MAS, emphasizing the integration of emerging technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and omics approaches. The findings indicate that MAS will continue to play a pivotal role in soybean breeding, with prospects for enhancing both yield and resilience against biotic stresses. Keywords Marker-assisted selection (MAS); Soybean breeding; Yield improvement; Disease resistance; Genetic markers 1 Introduction Soybean (Glycine max) is a globally significant crop, primarily valued for its high protein and oil content, which makes it a staple in both human and animal diets. Additionally, soybean cultivation plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, which is facilitated by symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria (Ngosong et al., 2022). The crop's adaptability to various climatic conditions has led to its widespread cultivation, with significant areas dedicated to soybean farming in regions such as North and South America, Asia, and increasingly, Europe (Miller et al., 2023). Yield and disease resistance are critical factors in soybean production. High yield ensures the economic viability of soybean farming, while disease resistance minimizes losses caused by pathogens, thereby securing food supply and farmer income. Enhancing these traits is essential to meet the growing global demand for soybeans and to ensure sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, soil nutrient deficiencies and diseases can significantly constrain soybean productivity, necessitating the use of fertilizers and other interventions to maintain yield levels (Ngosong et al., 2022). Moreover, the transition to conservation and no-tillage systems has shown that while these practices can affect early plant establishment, they do not necessarily lead to major yield losses if managed correctly (Adamič and Leskovšek, 2021). Traditional breeding techniques have long been employed to improve soybean traits, but they often involve lengthy processes and are limited by the complexity of trait inheritance. Modern breeding techniques, such as genomic selection and marker-assisted selection (MAS), have revolutionized soybean improvement by enabling more precise and efficient selection of desirable traits. Genomic selection, for example, has been shown to effectively predict and enhance traits like yield, protein, and oil content in soybean breeding programs (Miller et al., 2023). MAS, in particular, leverages molecular markers linked to specific traits, allowing for the early and accurate identification of superior genotypes. This method accelerates the breeding process and increases the likelihood of developing high-yielding, disease-resistant soybean varieties (Rani et al., 2023).
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