Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 126-139 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 126 Review and Progress Open Access Genomic Tools in Soybean Breeding: Innovations and Impacts Xiaoxi Zhou, Tianxia Guo Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: tianxia.guo@cuixi.org Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024 Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0014 Received: 08 May, 2024 Accepted: 10 Jun., 2024 Published: 21 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou and Guo, 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: Zhou X.X., and Guo T.X., 2024, Genomic tools in soybean breeding: innovations and impacts, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 126-139 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0014) Abstract This study explores the application and progress of genomic technologies in soybean breeding. As a crucial source of protein and oil globally, soybean breeding methods have gradually shifted from traditional phenotypic selection and hybridization techniques to reliance on genomic technologies. Modern genomic tools, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, have significantly improved breeding efficiency and accuracy. These tools accelerate the development of superior cultivars by predicting the genetic potential of breeding lines and utilizing a broader genetic base to introduce more beneficial traits. The study reviews the historical development of soybean breeding, highlighting the limitations of traditional methods, such as a narrow genetic base and slow breeding cycles. Genomic tools show great potential in enhancing yield, quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. For example, genomic selection predicts traits using genome-wide molecular markers, reducing dependence on phenotypic evaluation. Marker-assisted selection uses specific DNA markers for precise trait selection, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing allows for precise modifications of specific genes, enhancing soybean disease resistance and stress tolerance. Keywords Genomic tools; Soybean; Breeding; Marker-assisted selection (MAS); CRISPR/Cas9 1 Introduction Soybean (Glycine max) is a crucial crop globally, serving as a primary source of protein and oil. It is instrumental in various industries, including food, animal feed, and biofuel production. Traditional soybean breeding has relied on phenotypic selection and crossbreeding techniques, aiming to improve yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability. Despite its success, traditional breeding is time-consuming and limited by the genetic variation present in the parental lines. Advancements in genetic and genomic technologies have revolutionized soybean breeding. These innovations have enabled breeders to harness a broader genetic base, improve selection accuracy, and accelerate the development of superior cultivars. Modern genomic tools, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and genome editing, have emerged as powerful methodologies in enhancing soybean breeding efficiency and effectiveness (Du et al., 2022). The integration of genomic tools in agriculture marks a paradigm shift, offering unprecedented opportunities to address global food security challenges. Genomic tools facilitate the identification of key genetic traits, allowing for precise manipulation and enhancement of crop characteristics. In soybean breeding, these tools have been pivotal in achieving significant improvements in yield, quality, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genomic tools provide several advantages. They increase breeding efficiency by accelerating the breeding cycle through predicting the performance of breeding lines based on their genetic makeup rather than waiting for phenotypic expression. Enhanced precision is achieved as molecular markers and genome editing technologies enable targeted modifications, reducing the uncertainty associated with traditional breeding (Valliyodan et al., 2016). Furthermore, greater genetic diversity can be exploited within and between wild and cultivated soybean species, introducing beneficial traits into the breeding pool. Additionally, by improving resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, genomic tools contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs.
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