Hitchhiking mapping in soybean: Perspectives for more targeted future breeding

Abstract

The identification of genomic regions that have retained a signature of selection during breeding of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) may indicate the positions of genes related to important agronomic traits or underlying adaptation to a specific environment. This can be achieved by analysing populations comprised of ancestral and elite varieties, applying multiple outlier detection tests and population-genetic principles. The hitchhiking mapping has some advantages over other approaches, as well as several limitations. The knowledge of the consequences of selection on the soybean genome in a specific breeding program could have practical importance for future breeding and yield improvement.