Fine mapping of the protein QTL cqSeed protein-001 from PI 407788A and genome-wide association mapping in the soyNAM populations using DNA cytosine methylation

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a leading source of vegetable protein and oil with dynamic uses in food, industry, and animal feed. Given the reduced genetic diversity resulting from rapid domestication and years of selective breeding, it is imperative to find new sources of genetic variation for improving the genetics of soybean germplasm. Seed protein concentration is an amenable trait in soybean with extensive variation in accessible collections of soybean germplasm. Despite the negative relationship that is commonly observed between protein and yield, there is evidence that seed protein can be improved without sacrificing yield. The fine mapping and further characterization of the QTL cqSeed protein-001, an important QTL that impacts protein and oil concentration, can facilitate such improvement in soybean. In addition, the contribution of epigenetic variation to phenotypic variation is obscure due to a lack of characterized epigenetic alleles. This study involves the improved characterization of a high protein allele from PI 407788A and a GWAS for yield using DNA methylation as markers.U of I OnlyAuthor requested U of Illinois access only (OA after 2yrs) in Vireo ETD syste