2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Improvement of soybean seed composition through incorporation of new genes from exotic germplasm and wide crosses. These funds will directly support the soybean project objective #4. The Milestone: release germplasm by 2011. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) North elite (HC99-2846 and HC01-289 and HF02-005 - high-yielding Ohio lines) by south high-protein crosses will be made in 2007. HC-01-289 is a MG-III high-protein (44%) Ohio line resealed in 2006. The F1 and F2 generations will be grown in Puerto Rico to give single seed decent F3 seeds. We will grow F3 plants in Wooster in 2008, classify plants for maturity and harvest individual plants. Seed from each plant will be analyzed for protein and oil content, and lines with >46% protein will be selected for further testing. Seeds of selected lines will be increased in Puerto Rico. In 2009, we will test two row plots in a replicated trial and select lines with desirable agronomic traits and high-protein content. In 2010 and 2011, we will conduct multi-row replicated trial of selected lines with check cultivars in at least two locations. Seed yield, protein, and other agronomic traits will be measured, seeds will be increased, and the best lines will be released as germplasm. More crosses will be made as new sources of high-protein become available from collaborators (e.g., soja derived high-protein line from Istvan Rajcan Canada). 3.Progress Report F5 high-protein lines from the Wyandot (MG-II) and FG05 - with GASF-114 were planted in Wooster Ohio for a two replication yield trial 2008. The protein contents of these lines are as high as 49% on a dry weight basis. The protein plus oil are as high as 66%. The yield levels of several selected lines were comparable to the Ohio parent. Data from 400 single plants show 50 lines with >45% protein. We have planted single row plots of the high-protein lines (F5:6) in 2009 and have a good stand. Seeds from high-yielding rows will be increased in winter nursery for multi-location yield trials in 2010. Twelve more crosses were made in 2007 and 2008 using three Ohio lines and two southern high-protein lines. N01-10974 (MG-VI) (Carter, Jr.) and S05-5451 (MG-IV) (Shannon) were crossed to three relatively high-protein (40 - 43%) cultivars - ‘Wyandot’ (MG-II), ‘Wooster’ (MG-III) and ‘Prohio’ (MG-IV). These lines are now being advance by single seed decent. Each participating scientist prepares quarterly progress reports and shares those with all participants and the granting agency. A final report on the project is also prepared, shared and submitted to the granting agency. We also hold an annual meeting for reporting, discussion and planning on the project.