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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Raleigh, North Carolina » Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research » Research » Research Project #439459

Research Project: Determining the Repercussions of Declining Test Weight on Seed Composition & Value (AL)

Location: Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research

Project Number: 6070-21220-069-093-A
Project Type: Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Oct 1, 2020
End Date: Sep 30, 2021

Objective:
Identify management and genetic factors that can reverse the decline in test weight, determine the impact of increased test weight on seed protein content, nutritional quality, market value, sucrose content and develop breeding strategies which will simultaneously incorporate improved test weight and protein content into high yielding varieties.

Approach:
Genome wide association study (GWAS) was selected and increased for seed in 2019, the diversity panel has greater than 300 lines selected for seed composition traits, seed size, country of origin but are all classified as MG 5. This panel will be planted in two replications under both irrigated and rain fed conditions. Test weights, protein and oil analysis, sugar content, amino acid and fatty acid composition will be measured. A subset of breeding lines will be planted in a replicated trial and harvested in 2-3 intervals with test weight and other seed composition traits being measured. This will provide information regarding which trait is more valuable in breeding for seed quality decline and test weight variability. Test weights will be measured from the uniform breeding trials MG 4E, 4L, 5, 6, 7, and 8 from the Tallassee, AL, location.