Molecular characterization and identification of candidate markers for seed longevity in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merill]

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merill] genotype varies in storability period during ambient storage. In this study, 33 genotypes of soybean varying in storability (good and poor) and seed coat colour (black and yellow) were characterized with 53 SSR and 51 RAPD markers. Polymorphisms detected by SSR and RAPD markers were 62.26 and 68.62%, respectively. Genotypes with black seed coat colour showed better storability (89.85%) than the yellow seed coated genotypes (71.15%) indicating possible association of black seed coat colour with good storability. Genetic similarity coefficients obtained through SSR data analysis grouped the genotypes into two major clusters representing black and yellow seeded genotypes. SSR markers Satt371, Satt453 and Satt618 produced specific allelic bands making them candidate markers for linkage with seed storability and testa colour. RAPD markers data grouped the genotypes broadly into two major clusters that had no congruence with seed longevity and testa colour.