By Andi Anderson
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute (JGI) are launching a new project to sequence the genomes of 400 soybeans. The goal of the project is to create a comprehensive catalog of all the genetic variation in soybeans, which can then be used to develop new soybean varieties that are more productive, resilient to climate change, and have other desirable traits.
The project will sequence and analyze at least 50 soybean genomes from cultivated lines and wild relatives at reference quality, the gold standard of modern sequencing. A further 350 genomes will be sequenced as high-quality drafts by the JGI. The plan is to include a diverse set of soybean lines, including perennial relatives and lines selected to yield in harsh conditions.
The researchers believe that the new soybean pangenome will be a valuable resource for crop breeders and biotechnology experts. By knowing the details of all the genetic variation in soybeans, they will be better able to identify and incorporate important genes into new crop varieties.
The project is expected to have a global impact, but it will be particularly relevant to U.S. agriculture. Soybeans are a major crop in the United States, and they are used for a variety of purposes, including food, animal feed, and biodiesel production.
The project is expected to take several years to complete, but the researchers believe that the results will be worth the wait. By creating a comprehensive catalog of all the genetic variation in soybeans, they hope to help create new soybean varieties that are more productive, resilient, and sustainable.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Soybeans