Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important crops in terms of seed protein and oil content and has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with soil-borne microorganisms. Currently, soybean is the first major crop legume species to have a complete genome sequence sketch published. It is the largest plant genome to pass whole-genome shotgun techniques, at 1.1 GB. Soybean has a rich and colorful genetic history, and complex genome duplication has resulted in a highly repetitive genome, with nearly 75% of genes in multiple copies. In addition, the soybean genome contains a large number of transposable elements. An accurate soybean genome sequence will accelerate the development of improved soybean varieties.

CD Genomics is a leading service provider for agricultural genomics research, offering reliable wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. and Zucc.) and cultivated soybean [G. max (L.) Merr.] genome sequencing services to support research and breeding efforts in the field of soybean genomics for clients worldwide. Our services help improve yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content of soybean varieties.

Our soybean genome sequencing service

CD Genomics offers comprehensive and customizable soybean genome sequencing services using cutting-edge technology and expertise to characterize the soybean genome at the cytogenetic, genetic, and molecular levels. Our services cover all stages of the sequencing process, from library preparation to data analysis, ensuring high-quality and accurate results.

With our advanced next-generation sequencing and long-read sequencing technology platforms, as well as bioinformatics tools, we provide high-quality whole-genome sequencing data for wild and cultivated soybeans to meet the diverse needs of researchers and breeders. Our soybean genome sequencing services are designed to address the complexity of the soybean genome and provide researchers with valuable insights into its structure and function. CD Genomics integrates and characterizes over 1500 different wild and cultivated soybean genomes.

What we offer

CD Genomics sequenced the soybean genome using the whole genome shotgun method. This method involves fragmenting the soybean genome into smaller pieces, sequencing them, and then assembling the reads to reconstruct the complete genome. By utilizing this approach, we tender fruit to achieve comprehensive coverage of the soybean genome, identifying genes, regulatory elements, and structural variants.

In addition, we combine sequencing data with physical and genetic maps. These maps help researchers sequence genomes by enabling them to:

• Distinguish between TEs and genes during the sequencing process.
• Break down and accurately reassemble the soybean genome.

Our experts determine which soybean genes are worth targeting by:

• Comparing the genomes of different varieties of soybean plants to each other.
• Re-sequencing the 20,000 soybean lines currently stored in the National Plant Germplasm System to identify desired genetic variants not yet captured in currently domesticated soybean lines.

Applications of soybean genome sequencing

• Trait identification and improvement

The availability of high-quality soybean genome sequences helps identify the genes behind important agronomic traits. We help you identify genes associated with seed protein and oil content, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, and accelerate the development of soybean varieties with improved traits.

• Functional genomics research

Our services enable comprehensive functional genomics studies of soybean, helping you study gene expression patterns, identify key regulatory elements, and analyze gene networks.

• Comparative genomics

We can provide insights into evolutionary processes, gene family expansion, and genome structure by analyzing the soybean genome in comparison to other related species.

• Marker-assisted breeding

Our sequencing of the soybean genome identifies molecular markers associated with desired traits. These markers can be used in marker-assisted breeding programs to accelerate the selection of superior soybean varieties.

Case study of soybean genome sequencing

To map genome-wide variation patterns, population structure, and facilitate identification of the genetic basis of soybean agronomic traits, researchers resequenced 481 accessions from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection. This includes modern cultivars, traditional landraces, and wild species accessions from across the entire range of domesticated and wild soybeans. They provide variation data and associated analyses as a primary resource for other researchers to better understand soybean diversity for continued genetic improvement of soybean.

Variation data from 481 different soybean varieties has many potential uses, including:

• Calculation of linkage disequilibrium decay.
• Visualization of differences between regional conservation and germplasm.
• Phylogenetic and structural analysis.

Fig. 1. Phylogenetic tree of the 481 re-sequenced accessions. (Valliyodan et al., 2021)

CD Genomics offers cutting-edge soybean genome sequencing services to provide comprehensive genomic information to researchers and breeders for their studies. We aim to provide data to support basic research on the genetics of important soybean traits and to promote soybean improvement. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Valliyodan, Babu, et al. Genetic variation among 481 diverse soybean accessions, inferred from genomic re-sequencing. Scientific Data. 8.1 (2021): 50.