Divergence on QTLs and genetic variance for protein and oil contents in soybean

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between the parameters of divergence on QTL regions and the genetic variance in soybean genotypes for protein and oil contents. Two groups of genotypes were evaluated for protein and oil contents in different environments, and genotyped with molecular markers of QTL regions. Subgroups were established by predefined criteria from each group, and the relationship between the parameters was evaluated by comparing mean divergence and genetic variance between the subgroups. The subgroups were defined based on the criteria of difference of mean divergence, homogeneity and heterogeneity in the subgroups, and proximity in a three‑dimensional projection of the distance matrix. Percentage agreement between the greater values for mean divergence and genetic divergence for the subgroup total of each initial group was 72.5 and 73.4%, respectively. Therefore, there is a positive relationship between the estimates on QTL regions and genetic variance for protein and oil contents in grains in these genotypes. The genetic distances based on molecular markers of QTL regions are efficient to predict the genetic variability in soybean genotypes, for protein and oil contents.