Qualitative genetics

This chapter summarizes existing information and highlights new information on soybean qualitative genetics with an emphasis on publications and data reported since 1986. The Soybean Genetics Committee, established in 1955, carries out the following functions: establishes guidelines and rules for assigning gene symbols and acts as a review committee for manuscripts concerning qualitative genetic interpretation and gene symbols in the genus Glycine. Soybean scientists are encouraged to submit manuscripts to the committee for a gene symbol assignment and to add seeds of the genetic line to the Soybean Genetic Type Collection. This procedure helps to ensure that an orderly nomenclature is followed to symbolize genes and that the line is preserved. Several loci controlling reaction to soybean diseases have been identified. The development of commercial cultivars with multiple-disease resistance has had a major impact in reducing economic losses. The chapter discusses only soybean diseases for which there are published gene symbols for resistance.