Guo Tianxia

Author    Correspondence author
Legume Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No.   
Received: 01 Jan., 1970    Accepted: 01 Jan., 1970    Published: 26 Aug., 2025

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) holds an important position worldwide due to its high protein and oil content, and is a key source of human consumption and animal feed. However, soybean cultivation is confronted with the challenges of climate change and the need to increase yield and stress resistance. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are of great value in identifying key genetic loci associated with complex agronomic traits, including yield, stress resistance, nutritional quality and disease resistance. This review summarizes the progress made in soybean genomics through GWAS and elaborates on the loci and candidate genes that affect traits such as seed composition, plant height, and root development. Integrating the findings of GWAS into molecular breeding strategies such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) can promote the development of high-yield and climate-adapted soybean varieties. Furthermore, the combination of GWAS with advanced genomic tools and computational methods provides insights for future research. These research findings contribute to the sustainable improvement of soybean productivity to address the urgent need for global food sec。urity under environmental challenges