2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Identify soybean accessions with high seed germinability. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Conduct assays with accessions from the USDA soybean germplasm collection in order to identify accessions with high seed germinability. 3.Progress Report This research is designed to accelerate the process of developing and commercializing new traits into elite germplasm that will ultimately lead to high-yielding varieties. Yield, maturity and germination data for 25 germplasm lines and checks from exotic parents across three maturity groups were evaluated in Stoneville, MS. Three lines had germinations greater than 90%. Multiple F5 breeding lines were identified with high germinability, after 3 cycles of pedigree selection for high germination. Breeding lines and populations derived from 20 exotic soybean introductions were planted for evaluation, selection, and increase in the current field season. ADODR mointors activities through site visits.