Soybean genetic resources and crop improvement

The soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is an economically important leguminous crop for feed, oil, and soyfood products. It contains about 40% protein and 20% oil in the seed and, in the international trade markets, is ranked number one in oil production (48%) among the major oil seed crops. Despite its economic importance, the genetic base of soybean cultivars is extremely narrow. The indigenous cultivars and landraces in East Asia are on the verge of extinction, because farmers are now growing high yielding soybean cultivars. The exotic germplasm, enriched with genes for abiotic and biotic stresses, has not been fully exploited by soybean breeders. Mutation breeding has improved the fatty acids of the soybeans and has produced soybeans tolerant to herbicides. By using recombinant DNA technology, Monsanto has produced stable glyphosate tolerant soybean lines known as 'Round Up Ready' soybean. DuPont is producing transgenic soybean lines with improved fatty acids content. The feasibility of developing hybrid soybeans is still an open question.Key words: soybean, Glycine spp., exotic germplasm, mutation, interspecific hybridization, biotechnology, hybrid soybeans.