Seed quality QTLs identified in a molecular map of early maturing soybean

This study identified QTLs influencing seed quality characters in a cross o f two early maturing soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) cultivars (Ma.Belle a nd Proto) adapted to the short growing seasons of Central Europe. A molecul ar linkage map was constructed by using 113 SSR, 6 RAPD and 1 RFLP markers segregating in 82 individuals of an F-2 population. The map consists of 23 linkage groups and corresponds well to previously published soybean maps. U sing phenotypic data of the F-2-derived lines grown in five environments. f our markers for protein content. three for oil content and eight for seed w eight were identified. Four from fifteen seed quality QTL-regions identifie d in the present study were also found by other authors. Markers associated with seed weight QTLs were consistent across all environments and proved t o have effects large enough to be useful in a marker-assisted breeding prog ram, whereas protein and oil QTLs showed environmental interactions.