Phenotyping SoyMAGIC population to uncover genetic control of drought tolerance

Lead Applicant: Hugh Earl

Research Priority: Competitive Production Systems

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2024/2025

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Little is known about genetic control of drought tolerance in soybean and other crops because phenotyping for drought tolerance (especially as it affects grain yield formation) in the large numbers (hundreds) of lines needed for this type of work is notoriously difficult. We will use a recently developed, low cost and highly scalable technology to address this problem, and phenotype 500 lines from the SoyMAGIC population, a multi-parent advanced generation intercross population derived from 8 parental lines. These data will permit the identification of genomic regions affecting yield formation under soil water deficits in soybeans, providing critical tools for the development of more drought-tolerant varieties adapted to Ontario.