Integrating Germplasm Diversity and Omics Science to Enhance Biotic Stress Resistance in Soybean

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), plays a crucial role as a primary oilseed crop providing essential edible oil and protein. However, it encounters significant challenges from various biotic stresses such as fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases, as well as damage from insects and pests, resulting in substantial yield losses. Traditional breeding methods have been effective in developing improved soybean varieties. Yet, to expedite breeding endeavors and enhance efficiency, the integration of genomics into breeding strategies has become pivotal. By combining genomics tools with traditional methods, soybean breeding can be accelerated, ensuring sustainable production and resilience against environmental fluctuations. Researchers have utilized omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, to pinpoint stress-responsive genes and metabolic pathways in soybeans. Numerous resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified and confirmed for major diseases, contributing to the development of resistant soybean cultivars through marker-assisted breeding. With advancements in sequence-based genotyping and haplotype-based breeding, multiple resistance loci can now be combined in breeding populations, providing protection against various diseases and pests. The advent of multi-omics technologies has propelled both forward and reverse genetics approaches, aiding in the discovery and characterization of rare alleles and biomolecules crucial in plant–pathogen interactions. The synergy between genomic tools and traditional breeding methods holds great promise in creating soybean genotypes resilient to changing climates. By amalgamating these approaches, we can ensure sustainable soybean production and bolster crop resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges.