Monsanto's release of genetic markers expected to boost BBI efforts

摘要

Monsanto recently released approximately 200 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) genetic markers to the United Soybean Board (USB). This donation serves to further the cause of USB's Better Bean Initiative (BBI), a program designed to enhance the compositional value of US soybeans. (The BBI is funded by soybean growers' checkoff dollars.) These genetic markers could hasten the development of commercial soybean varieties with improved oil and protein traits. Therefore, the BBI is making them available to both public and private sector breeders. There is no licensing fee. Perry Cregan, geneticist with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, Md., who developed the markers in cooperation with Monsanto, is providing information on the markers and is handling requests for them. He can be reached at 301-504-5070 (E-mail: creganp@ba.ars.usda.gov). Vergel Concibido, project leader, soybean molecular breeding discovery, Monsanto, says the recent donation is in line with the Monsanto Pledge to share knowledge and technology with the public sector and industry. While there is concern about its competitors having access to these markers. Monsanto is more concerned about bringing technology to soybean growers and helping them be more competitive in the global market, says Concibido. Soybean researchers can hopefully use the markers to help bridge gaps in the soybean genome and potentially tag important agronomic traits that can help improve soybeans, adds Concibido, noting "Monsanto cannot doit alone. We need help in developing better soybeans for growers."