Genetic relationships and genome selection signatures between soybean cultivars from Brazil and United States after decades of breeding

Soybean is one of the most important crops worldwide. Brazil and the United States (US) are the world's two biggest producers of this legume. The increase of publicly available DNA sequencing data as well as high-density genotyping data of multiple soybean germplasms has made it possible to understand the genetic relationships and identify genomics regions that underwent selection pressure during soy domestication and breeding. In this study, we analyzed the genetic relationships between Brazilian (N = 235) and US soybean cultivars (N = 675) released in different decades and screened for genomic signatures between Brazilian and US cultivars. The population structure analysis demonstrated that the Brazilian germplasm has a narrower genetic base than the US germplasm. The US cultivars were grouped according to maturity groups, while Brazilian cultivars were separated according to decade of release. We found 73 SNPs that differentiate Brazilian and US soybean germplasm. Maturity-associated SNPs showed high allelic frequency differences between Brazilian and US accessions. Other important loci were identified separating cultivars released before and after 1996 in Brazil. Our data showed important genomic regions under selection during decades of soybean breeding in Brazil and the US that should be targeted to adapt lines from different origins in these countries.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the genetic relationships between Brazilian and US soybean cultivars and found that the Brazilian germplasm has a narrower genetic base than the US germplasm. The US cultivars were grouped according to maturity groups, while Brazilian cultivars were separated according to decade of release. Additionally, 73 SNPs that differentiate Brazilian and US soybean germplasm were identified, with high allelic frequency differences between Brazilian and US accessions for maturity-associated SNPs. The study revealed important genomic regions under selection during decades of soybean breeding in Brazil and the US.