This project facilitates marker-assisted selection for introgression of essential traits in the MU breeding programs. This project’s sole focus is to deliver data for the breeding programs that characterizes the genetic architecture of important traits for variety development. These data are used for selection and quality control, as well as for research publications.

The main goal of the project is to improve the efficiency and quality control of the soybean breeding program (northern and southern MU soybean programs), thereby assuring the continuous release of novel soybean varieties for Missouri farmers while maximizing limited resources.

1) facilitate marker assisted selection (MAS) for introgression of quality traits (i.e. high-oleic low-linolenic soybean) and disease resistance traits (i.e. SCN resistance) into the breeding program for variety development,

2) increase the breeding efficiency for developing new varieties by using genomic prediction of breeding value for experimental line and parental selection, and

3) develop and utilize new molecular markers for emerging beneficial traits (i.e. LL55 and Enlist E3).

This project’s sole focus is to deliver data for the breeding programs that characterizes the genetic architecture of important traits for variety development. These data are used for selection and quality control, as well as for research publications.

The investment into a molecular breeding project will assure continued success for the breeding program by increasing efficiency, improving quality control, and decreasing the time involved in getting new varieties to the market.