Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for biological nitrogen fixation and protein content in soybean (Glycine max)

The biologically-fixed N is more efficiently converted into protein than mineral N from fertilizers. As low protein content is currently a topic of great concern in many soybean-growing areas, improvement of BNF efficiency may reach higher protein levels with lower environmental impacts. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have shown excellent results in the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with phenotypic characteristics. This project aims to perform a GWAS to identify SNP markers that are associated with traits involved in BNF and protein concentrations in soybean grains. To do that, genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) will be carried out to build an extensive catalog of SNPs capturing the genetic diversity existing in a panel of 191 soybean lines. Therefore, it is expected to provide information and SNP markers that may be useful to the scientific community involved in soybean breeding programs aiming at increasing protein concentrations in grains.

Faculty Supervisor:

François Belzile

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Université Laval

Program: