QTL mapping and identification of GxE interactions of agronomic and seed quality traits in soybean

The detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr] enables regions of chromosomes to be identified, which contain genes that regulate the expression of important agronomic and seed quality traits. The objective of this study was to identify QTL and genotype x environment (GxE) interactions contributing to agronomic and seed quality traits in soybean. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was created from two prominent ancestors (Essex and Williams) of currently available U.S. cultivars. One hundred simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers spaced throughout the genome were mapped in this population. Agronomic and seed quality traits were measured in six environments spanning two years. QTL were identified with GxE interaction for agronomic and seed quality traits, using composite interval mapping and multiple trait analysis. A total of 11 maturity, six height, seven lodging, two yield, six oil, 13 protein, nine seed size, four palmitate, seven stearate, four oleate, five linoleate, and eight linolenate QTL were detected in this population. The QTL found in this study may be of use in marker assisted selection to enable breeders to more finely tune their ability to make further genetic gains.