ARS | Publication request: THE STATUS OF SOYBEAN GENOMICS AND ITS ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOYBEAN BIOTECHNOLOGIES

Submitted to: Agbioforum
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 15, 2003
Publication Date: June 1, 2003
Citation: Shoemaker, R.C., Schlueter, J., Cregan, P.B., Vodkin, L. 2003. The status of soybean genomics and its role in the development of soybean biotechnologies. Agbioforum. v. 6. p. 1-10.

Interpretive Summary: The soybean is the world's number one source of edible oil and is a major source of high quality protein. Many biotechnological resources are available for this plant. In this review article the authors summarize the status of soybean genomics. They discuss genetic maps, discovery of genes, distribution of the hereditary material on chromosomes, genetic engineering and the study of the function of genes. They also discuss what is needed to make the soybean a model crop legume for future studies. This information will be a reference source for students and non-soybean scientists.

Technical Abstract: The soybean is a major world source of edible oil and high quality protein. It has an interesting and complex genome structure. It has a rich repertoire of genomic tools and resources that include a vast EST collection, a genetic map populated by more than 350 RFLP markers and 1,000 SSRs, more than 300,000 ESTs, a developing physical map, and microarray resources. Soybean transformation systems routinely yield 3% - 5% efficiency. It also has a large and active research community. The array of resources available would be improved with a finished physical map and a better understanding of the gene space and chromosomal topography of the species. Still, the soybean is clearly the model crop legume.