Assessment of phenotypic variability of saccharides in soybean genotypes suitable for growing in Europe

Abstract

Given the great potential of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as a staple crop for food, feed and pharmaceutical industry, improving the genetic basis of seed quality is one of the main breeding aims on a global scale. An important quality trait is saccharide composition since it affects digestibility and nutritional value of soybean seed, affecting the usability of this agricultural commodity. This 3-year research (2010-2012) investigated soybean variability by measuring saccharide contents (glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose) in high-yielding genotypes (maturity groups 00-II) suitable for almost all European regions, while taking into consideration the effect of weather conditions. Statistical analyses included calculating the basic measures of descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), determining correlation and using the Nearest Neighbour clustering to construct a dendrogram based on the Euclidean distance. Results showed the existence of diversity in saccharide content with the influence of genotype, year and their interaction being statistically significant. The lack of correlation between investigated parameters indicates the use of indirect selection is not possible. Nevertheless, the determined divergence indicates the given set of genotypes is suitable for use in future crossing programmes aiming to produce cultivars with more beneficial sugar content in comparison to the existing ones.

European soybean to benefit people and the environment

“…RFOs reduce feed digestibility for monogastric animals 47 , although they ferment into fatty acids in pig intestines showing prebiotic properties 48 . Soy breeding aims to reduce RFOs concentrations whilst increasing total sugars 49 since high sucrose, fructose and glucose increase the sweetness of soymilk, tofu and natto 46 , 50 , 51 .…”