Diversity of E genes among soybean maturity groups

Abstract

Soybean maturity groups are designated based on geographical areas where particular varietis are adapted. The main environmental factor affecting adaptation is photoperiod. The wide distribution of soybean is caused by diversity of the E genes that interact and control time to flowering and maturity. Dominant alleles delay flowering and their effect under different environments is stable. E2 gene encodes an ortholog of GIGANTEA gene while E3 and E4 control photoperiod insensitivity and encode phytochrome A. E genes are well characterized, but their distribution among germplasm and maturity groups is not quite known. A set of 78 genotypes, originating from North America and Europe was tested on presence of dominant or recessive allele of E2 and E4 genes. All observed maturity groups (from 000 to III) had low frequency of dominant allele of gene E2 (p=0.22). Recessive allele of this gene was present in all tested genotypes (n=15) in early maturity groups (000 and 00). In 0 and I maturity groups were noticed low frequencies of dominant allele whereas in later maturity groups, II and III, significantly higher frequencies are observed.