Molecular Markers for Soybean Stem Canker Resistance Introgression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current soybean breeding methods lack efficient and cost-effective methods to identify and introduce stem canker resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) into soybean cultivars, particularly from exotic germplasm, and require rapid assays for stem canker resistance loci presence or absence.

Innovation Solution

The development of methods using specific molecular markers associated with stem canker resistance QTL in the linkage group D1b genomic region, allowing for the identification and introgression of stem canker resistance into soybean plants, including the use of markers like NGMAX008369683 and NGMAX008369686, and other linked markers to select for resistant genotypes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional phenotyping assays are used to identify stem canker resistance, then resistance can be detected, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestem canker resistance detection accuracyVSAvoidbreeding program time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical phenotyping assays with molecular marker-based genotyping methods. Specific molecular markers (e.g., NGMAX008369683, NGMAX008369686) are used to detect stem canker resistance QTLs directly at the DNA level, eliminating the need for time-consuming field phenotyping while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary genetic screening using molecular markers to identify plants carrying stem canker resistance QTLs before conducting phenotyping assays. This preliminary action using markers flanking the QTL region allows breeders to select only promising candidates for further evaluation, significantly reducing the overall time and cost of the breeding program.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If molecular markers are used to identify stem canker resistance QTL, then screening efficiency improves, but marker development and validation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening efficiencyVSAvoidmarker system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes specific molecular markers that flank the stem canker resistance QTL region on linkage group D1b. By focusing on a defined set of markers (e.g., NGMAX008369683 and NGMAX008369686) rather than developing an entire genotyping system, the patent achieves high screening efficiency while keeping the marker system manageable and applicable to routine breeding programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If exotic germplasm is used to broaden genetic base, then disease resistance traits can be introduced, but extraneous linked DNA from source germplasm is also transferred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenetic diversityVSAvoidextraneous linked DNA
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses molecular marker-assisted selection to replace traditional backcrossing and phenotypic selection methods. By monitoring the presence or absence of specific markers flanking the stem canker resistance QTL, breeders can precisely track the resistance allele and surrounding genomic region, enabling them to eliminate extraneous linked DNA from exotic germplasm while retaining the desired resistance trait.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10138526B2Molecular markers associated with stem canker resistance in soybean
Publication Date: 2018.11.27 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating phenotypic expression of a stem canker resistance trait in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of this trait.