Xiaoxi Zhou , Tianxia Guo

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0014
Received: 08 May, 2024    Accepted: 10 Jun., 2024    Published: 21 Jun., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Zhou X.X., and Guo T.X., 2024, Genomic tools in soybean breeding: innovations and impacts, Legume Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 126-139 (doi: 10.5376/lgg.2024.15.0014)

This study explores the application and progress of genomic technologies in soybean breeding. As a crucial source of protein and oil globally, soybean breeding methods have gradually shifted from traditional phenotypic selection and hybridization techniques to reliance on genomic technologies. Modern genomic tools, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, have significantly improved breeding efficiency and accuracy. These tools accelerate the development of superior cultivars by predicting the genetic potential of breeding lines and utilizing a broader genetic base to introduce more beneficial traits. The study reviews the historical development of soybean breeding, highlighting the limitations of traditional methods, such as a narrow genetic base and slow breeding cycles. Genomic tools show great potential in enhancing yield, quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. For example, genomic selection predicts traits using genome-wide molecular markers, reducing dependence on phenotypic evaluation. Marker-assisted selection uses specific DNA markers for precise trait selection, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing allows for precise modifications of specific genes, enhancing soybean disease resistance and stress tolerance.

Genomic tools; Soybean; Breeding; Marker-assisted selection (MAS); CRISPR/Cas9