Increasing soybean seed protein content is a primary breeding goal. This project aims at identifying new high protein genes/QTLs and associated DNA markers to use in breeding programs to facilitate the development of soybean cultivars. The long-term project goal is to develop high-protein soybean cultivars adapted to the Virginia and Mid-Atlantic growing conditions. Specific objectives for the current research phase are to conduct comparative sequence analysis of pairs of protein isogenic lines for low vs high protein traits, develop breeder-friendly and easy-to-use DNA markers for genes related to high seed protein content, oil content and essential amino acids and to select high-protein breeding lines from a protein-advanced generation segregating population and test for agronomic traits.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents, livestock farmers, livestock nutritionists, soybean breeders, seed companies