Location: Soybean/maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Research
2018 Annual Report
Accomplishments
1. Sequenced and assembled draft genomes of the soybean variety Dwight and a line derived from a cross of Dwight by Glycine tomentella, a wild perennial relative of soybean. Soybean’s wild perennial relatives have genes for yield, disease resistance and other desirable traits not present in cultivated soybean. Previous work developed new genetic materials from crosses of soybean and G. tomentella. Some of the offspring produced had new phenotypes such as enhanced disease resistance, increased yield, and changes in seed coat texture. To verify the success of the crosses, ARS researchers at Urbana, Illinois, in cooperation with researchers at the University of Illinois, sequenced and assembled the genomes of the recurrent parent (Dwight) and one of the offspring. This successful whole genome sequencing will allow comparisons to determine which regions, if any, of the G. tomentella genome have been incorporated into the offspring. This information will be useful to scientists interested in enhancing the agronomic performance and diversity of crops through wide crossing.
