Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (11): 103-112.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2026-0347

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QTL Mapping for Seed Coat Color in Soybean

LI Ya-qian, FENG Long-zhe, SUN Nan, ZHANG Yi-jie, ZHANG Hao, YANG Ya-qi, ZHANG Xin-yu, YUE Ai-qin, DU Wei-jun, WANG Min()   

  1. College of Agriculture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Molecular Breeding (Co-constructed by the Ministry and the Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanxi HouJi Laboratory (Shanxi Laboratory for Bio-breeding of Miscellaneous Cereals), Taigu 030801
  • Received:2026-03-27 Online:2026-11-26 Published:2026-11-03
  • Contact: WANG Min E-mail:wangmin3502@126.com

Abstract:

Objective Seed coat color is a key quality trait in soybean. Through QTL mapping for seed coat color-related traits, this study aims to identify associated genetic loci, clarify the genetic effects underlying seed coat color, screen for key candidate genes, and provide a reference for breeding high-quality soybean varieties. Method A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between cultivated soybean Jinda 53 (female) and wild soybean Pingnan (male) was used. Seed coat color was evaluated using three parameters: lightness (L),red-green value(a*), and blue-yellow value (b*). A genetic map previously constructed with SLAF markers was employed, and QTL analysis was performed using composite interval mapping. Candidate genes were screened against the SoyBase and SoyMD databases. Result Ten QTLs associated with seed coat color were identified. Two candidate regions were obtained: a 663 kb interval on chromosome 8 and a 370 kb interval on chromosome 9, harboring 11 and 6 candidate genes, respectively. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Glyma.08G103900, Glyma.08G104100, Glyma.09G191200, and Glyma.09G191700 were highly expressed in seeds and were associated with seed coat color, showing higher expression levels in Jinda 53 than in Pingnan. These were thus identified as key candidate genes. Conclusion Two pleiotropic QTLs and four novel QTLs were identified in soybean.

Key words: soybean, seed coat color, recombinant inbred line, QTL, candidate gene