Candidate gene identification for a fertility locus in soybean

Mutations in soybean genes involved in meiosis can lead to altered chromosome pairing and result in non functional gametes causing sterility. There are several male-sterile, female-sterile mutants identified in soybean. Some of these mutants are mapped on soybean chromosomes, whereas locations of others are unknown. The objectives of this study were to find the genetic location of a male-sterile, female-sterile mutant gene, st6, in the soybean genome, to develop a molecular map of the region, and to identify putative candidate genes for st6. The st6 gene was located on Molecular Linkage Group (MLG) B2 (chromosome Gm14) using Bulked Segregant Analysis. The gene was flanked by the markers Sat_177 and BARCSOYSSR_14_84 with a genetic distance of 8.5 cM and 1.7 cM, respectively. The region encompassed by the flanking markers is ∼644 kb and there are 97 predicated genes in this region. Of these, three predicted genes, one coding for a stigma specific protein and two for microtubule associated proteins, are excellent candidates for the fertility gene. Future characterization of candidate genes should facilitate identification of the male- and female-fertility gene, which may provide vital insight on structure and function of genes involved in the reproductive pathway.