Validation of yellow mosaic disease resistance in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) using SSR markers

The study was carried out for two years (rabi 2023–24 and kharif 2024) to identify promising soybean genotypes resistant to yellow mosaic disease (YMD) and validate SSR markers for YMD resistance. Altogether 10 advanced genotypes were analysed for field resistance to YMD and evaluated for seed yield. Substantial genetic variability was observed for all 9 characters studied. Field screening identified 4 resistant, 2 moderately resistant, 1 moderately susceptible and 3 susceptible genotypes. The resistant lines offer valuable genetic resources for resistance breeding in soybean. The reported SSR marker (Satt 322) for YMD resistance was also validated in these genotypes. A total of 6 genotypes (SL 958 (resistant check), SL 955, DS 3105, DS 3106, PS 1347 and PS 1670) carrying resistant alleles also exhibited YMD resistance (R/MR) under field conditions, while the moderately resistant genotype NRC 128 carried the susceptible allele. The study identified three breeding lines, namely DS 3105, PS 1670 and DS 3106 as possessing superior seed yield alongside YMD resistance. These findings provide valuable insights to accelerate soybean crop improvement using marker assisted breeding.