| Crop | Soybean |
|---|---|
| Start Date | 2015 |
| End Date | 2019 |
| Principal Investigator | Belzile, François, University of Laval |
| MPSG Financial Support | $160,000 |
| Total Project Funding | $8,235,673 |
Research Objectives
- Develop a novel platform for rapid and cost-effective genotyping in soybean
- Develop new selection tools to enable breeders to more rapidly select lines with improved yield and disease resistance in early maturing soybeans
- Develop diagnostic tools to rapidly screen for and identify races of Phytophthora sojae (Phytophthora root rot; PRR) and pathotypes of Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode; SCN)
- Elaborate a data-informed outreach strategy targeted toward accelerated producer adoption of soybeans in western Canada.
Project Description
The proposed research program comprises five activities:
1) Development of cost-effective high throughput genetic analysis tools;
2) Improved selection tools to achieve high yield in short-season soybean;
3) Diagnostic tools to determine the presence and type of PRR and SCN in Canadian fields;
4) Improved selection tools to develop new varieties with increased resistance to three key pathogens/pests (P. sojae/PRR, H. glycines/SCN and Sclerotionia sclerotiorum/SSR) and
5) Identification of what is required to maximize the innovation potential of the soybean industry.
In Activity 1, an in-depth genomic characterization of the Canadian short-season soybean germplasm will be achieved through whole-genome sequencing. Coupled with our genotyping by sequencing (GBS) platform, this will enable rapid and cost-effective DNA marker analysis. In Activity 2, we will use genomics to identify and characterize the key genes controlling maturity. Selection methods will be developed to facilitate the development of high yielding early maturing soybean varieties. In Activity 3, we will develop genomic tools to rapidly screen and identify the different races of P. sojae (PRR) and pathotypes of H. glycines (SCN). In Activity 4, marker-assisted selection will be used to develop varieties resistant to two key diseases (PRR and SSR) and one pest (SCN). Finally, in Activity 5, we will undertake socio-economic research to inform the development of policy that will enhance the adoption and sustainability of soybean production in Canada. We will explore the drivers of on-farm adoption, supply chain development, trade and transportation policy, regulatory barriers, research funding models, and private producer public partnership (4P) ownership models.
More information may be found here: soyagen.ca