Soybean Haplotypes for Dicamba and Glyphosate Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Soybean varieties with a transgene conferring resistance to dicamba often exhibit an undesirable 'dicamba intolerance phenotype', characterized by malformation and reduced yield, due to varying degrees of sensitivity to dicamba exposure, while some varieties show dicamba tolerance. Additionally, these plants may exhibit reproductive intolerance to glyphosate, leading to sterility and yield reduction.

Innovation Solution

Identification and introgression of specific genomic regions associated with dicamba tolerance and reproductive tolerance to glyphosate, using molecular markers to select for favorable alleles and eliminate unfavorable ones, resulting in soybean plants that can tolerate high dicamba doses and late-stage glyphosate applications without sterility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transgene conferring resistance to dicamba is introduced into soybean varieties, then dicamba resistance is achieved, but dicamba intolerance phenotype (malformation and reduced yield) occurs due to varying sensitivity to dicamba exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedicamba resistanceVSAvoiddicamba intolerance phenotype

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the soybean genome by identifying specific haplotypes (combinations of alleles at multiple loci) on linkage group L that are associated with dicamba intolerance. By dividing the genome into manageable chromosomal regions and analyzing allele combinations, the patent isolates the specific genetic segments responsible for the intolerance phenotype, enabling targeted selection against unfavorable haplotypes while maintaining the dicamba resistance transgene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by focusing on specific regions of linkage group L (chromosome 19) rather than the entire genome. By identifying that the dicamba intolerance phenotype is associated with particular haplotypes in a localized chromosomal region, the patent enables breeders to select for favorable alleles at specific loci (e.g., M0205350, M0101742, M0102027, NGMAX008197032) while maintaining overall plant productivity and the desired dicamba resistance trait.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If high doses of dicamba are applied to achieve weed control, then weed control effectiveness is improved, but dicamba intolerance phenotype (stem and petiole malformation, necrosis, limited new growth) is exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweed control effectivenessVSAvoiddicamba intolerance phenotype

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements preliminary action by identifying and selecting for favorable haplotypes associated with dicamba tolerance before applying high doses of dicamba. By using molecular markers to screen for favorable allele combinations at multiple loci on linkage group L in advance, breeders can pre-select soybean varieties that will tolerate high dicamba applications without exhibiting the intolerance phenotype, thereby enabling effective weed control while avoiding plant damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If transgenes for dicamba and glyphosate resistance are combined in soybean varieties, then broad-spectrum herbicide resistance is achieved, but reproductive intolerance to glyphosate (sterility) occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveherbicide resistanceVSAvoidreproductive intolerance to glyphosate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the genetic analysis by examining specific haplotypes at multiple loci on linkage group L that are associated with reproductive tolerance to glyphosate. By dividing the complex trait into analyzable allele combinations at specific markers, the patent enables independent selection for glyphosate reproductive tolerance while maintaining the stacked herbicide resistance traits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If molecular markers are used to select for favorable alleles, then breeding precision is improved, but time and resources for genotyping are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreeding precisionVSAvoidbreeding time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies universality by developing a multi-locus haplotype system that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The same set of molecular markers and haplotype analysis can be used to select for both dicamba tolerance and glyphosate reproductive tolerance, as well as to maintain the stacked herbicide resistance traits. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple selection criteria into a single integrated breeding framework, reducing the overall time and resources required compared to separate selection processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11661608B2Haplotypes associated with improved dicamba tolerance and glyphosate tolerance in transgenic soybean plants

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the identification and selection of soybean plants that comprise a genotype associated with dicamba tolerance. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of this trait.