Genetics of seed abortion and reproductive traits in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., II

Based on the results given in a previous abstract, a more extensive study was performed to assess the genetic basis of seed abortion and reproduction in soybean. For this study, reproductive data were obtained from two replications of three different RI populations derived from the three parents Minosy, Noir 1 and Archer grown under typical agronomic conditions. This study surveyed a more extensive list of reproductive parameters (number of nodes per plant, nodal length, number of fruits per node, nodal position of fruits, number of fruits/plant, number of ovules per pod, number of filled seeds per pod, seed/ovule, and developmental stage and position of abortions). In addition, a variety of agronomic traits (seed number, seed weight, total yield, leaf shape, oil content of seeds, number of flowers per plant, protein content of seed, etc.) were measured in the same experiment. All reproductive and agronomic traits were compared with three existing genetic linkage maps. of genotypes from these RI populations. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for the variation in reproductive traits were identified and also analyzed for interactions with other QTLs. These results were compared with data (given in previous abstract) obtained from different environmental conditions (Utah vs. Minnesota).