Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 35-43 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 35 Research Insight Open Access Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in Soybean Breeding Hongtao Gao, Haiyan Li School of Breeding and Multiplication (Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication), Hainan University, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: hyli@hainanu.edu.cn Molecular Plant Breeding, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2025.16.0004 Received: 20 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 23 Jan., 2025 Published: 31 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Gao and Li, 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: Gao H.T., and Li H.Y., 2025, Marker-assisted selection (MAS) in soybean breeding, Molecular Plant Breeding, 16(1): 35-43 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2025.16.0004) Abstract Marker-assisted selection (MAS) has become an indispensable tool in modern soybean breeding, enabling precise and efficient improvement of key agronomic traits. This study explores the principles and applications of MAS in enhancing both biotic and abiotic stress resistance, as well as quality and yield traits in soybean. The study begins by outlining the various genetic markers utilized in MAS, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), along with the key techniques and tools employed, including high-throughput genotyping platforms, marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC), and genomic selection (GS). Following this, the study delves into the successful application of MAS in soybean trait improvement, providing an in-depth case study on soybean cyst nematode resistance, which exemplifies the effectiveness of MAS in addressing significant agricultural challenges. Recent technological advancements, such as the integration of MAS with genomic selection and the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to complement MAS strategies, are discussed. The study also addresses current limitations, including cost, resource requirements, and genetic background effects, while providing insights into future directions that emphasize the integration of MAS with other emerging breeding technologies. Ultimately, this paper highlights the pivotal role of MAS in accelerating soybean breeding and its potential to contribute to the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding soybean varieties. Keywords Marker-assisted selection; Soybean breeding; Genetic markers; Biotic and abiotic stress resistance; Trait improvement 1 Introduction Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a globally significant crop, primarily valued for its high protein and oil content. Historically, soybeans have been cultivated for thousands of years, originating in China and Eastern Asia, and have since become the most cultivated oilseed crop worldwide, with the majority of production now occurring in the Western Hemisphere. The crop's versatility extends beyond human consumption to include livestock feed, aquaculture, and industrial applications, making it a critical component of global agriculture (Choi et al., 2022). The continuous improvement of soybean varieties through breeding has been essential to meet the increasing demand for high-quality protein and oil, as well as to enhance resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses (Anderson et al., 2019; Miller et al., 2023). Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a modern breeding technique that utilizes molecular markers to select desirable traits in plants, thereby accelerating the breeding process and improving accuracy. This method has been particularly beneficial in soybean breeding, where it aids in the identification and selection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with important agronomic traits such as yield, protein, and oil content (Miller et al., 2023; Rani et al., 2023). MAS leverages genetic markers linked to specific traits, allowing breeders to screen large populations efficiently and select individuals with the desired genetic makeup without the need for extensive phenotypic evaluations (Fields et al., 2023; Yao et al., 2023). This approach not only enhances the efficiency of breeding programs but also facilitates the development of soybean varieties with improved nutritional profiles and stress resistance. The study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the application and impact of Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in soybean breeding. This includes an examination of the historical context and significance of soybean breeding, a detailed discussion on the principles and methodologies of MAS, and an evaluation of its effectiveness
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