A major gene for tolerance to cold-induced seed coat discoloration relieves viral seed mottling in soybean.

In yellow soybeans, inhibition of seed coat pigmentation by RNA silencing of genes is suppressed by low temperature and a viral suppressor, resulting in 'cold-induced seed coat discoloration' and 'seed mottling', respectively. Differences exist in the degree of cold-induced seed coat discoloration among Japanese yellow soybean cultivars; for example, Toyomusume is sensitive, Toyohomare has some tolerance, and Toyoharuka is highly tolerant. In this study, we compared the degree of seed mottling severity due to soybean mosaic virus (SMV) among these three soybean cultivars.

Quantitative trait loci associated with lodging tolerance in soybean cultivar 'Toyoharuka'.

Lodging tolerance (LT) is an important trait for high yield and combine-harvesting efficiency in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.].

Molecular basis of a shattering resistance boosting global dissemination of soybean.

Pod dehiscence (shattering) is essential for the propagation of wild plant species bearing seeds in pods but is a major cause of yield loss in legume and crucifer crops. Although natural genetic variation in pod dehiscence has been, and will be, useful for plant breeding, little is known about the molecular genetic basis of shattering resistance in crops. Therefore, we performed map-based cloning to unveil a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling pod dehiscence in soybean.

Identification of QTL controlling post-flowering period in soybean.

The length of the reproductive period affects the grain yield of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr), and genetic control of the period might contribute to yield improvement. To detect genetic factor(s) controlling the reproductive period, a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from a cross between Japanese landrace 'Ippon-Sangoh' and, Japanese cultivar 'Fukuyutaka' which differ in their duration from flowering to maturation (DFM) relative to the difference in the duration from sowing to flowering (DSF).

Mapping and use of QTLs controlling pod dehiscence in soybean.

While the cultivated soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., is more recalcitrant to pod dehiscence (shattering-resistant) than wild soybean, Glycine soja Sieb.