Genetic and Molecular Strategies to Soybean Improvement

Dear Colleagues,

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is one of the world's most economically important legume crops, providing essential protein and oil for human consumption, animal feed, and industrial applications. As global demand continues to increase amid challenges from climate change, pests, and diseases, there is an urgent need to accelerate crop improvement strategies. This Special Issue, "Genetic and Molecular Strategies to Soybean Improvement," brings together cutting-edge research that leverages modern genomic tools and molecular techniques to enhance soybean productivity, quality, and resilience. Topics encompass genome editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, marker-assisted selection, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, and functional genomics approaches. Contributions explore genetic mechanisms underlying agronomically important traits including yield potential, stress tolerance (both biotic and abiotic), nutritional quality, nitrogen fixation efficiency, and adaptation to diverse environments. By showcasing innovative research that bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical breeding applications, this Special Issue will advance our understanding of soybean genetics and accelerate the development of improved cultivars that meet the demands of sustainable agriculture in the 21st Century.

Prof. Dr. Junming Sun
Guest Editor

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