To the question of microsatellite associations of cultivated soybean of the Amur Oblast with agricultural traits

This prospecting study evaluated the correlation strength between the length of microsatellite loci and valuable agricultural traits. For labeling the genetic systems of soybean varieties, DNA was isolated using a ready-made kit followed by subjecting the manufactured reaction mixture to standard PCR. In total, 15 primer pairs were used to analyze 18 varieties of the All-Russian Soybean Research Institute selection. Eight samples (Satt1, Satt2, Satt5, Satt9, Soyhsp176, Satt681, Satt141 and Satt181) were the most specific and fully suitable for the identification and certification of available soybean genotypes; however, sample Sat_263 was only partially applicable. The possible influence of loci on agricultural traits was determined by searching for associations of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the NCBI and soybase databases. To identify the statistical relationship between different attributes and loci lengths, a correlation analysis was performed by calculating Pearson’s coefficient. This analysis revealed a direct relationship between the length of Satt5, Sat_263 and Satt181 loci and plant height, with an inverse relationship being observed in the case of Satt2. The mean value of the correlation coefficient (r) comprised 0.485, 0.55, 0.435 and -0.422, respectively. Samples Satt1(r = 0.561) and Satt2 (r = 0.562) indicate a direct correlation between their length and plant seed weight, while an inverse correlation was established in the case of Satt9 (r= -0.453) and Satt681 (r= -0.527). A weak inverse correlation was found with the trait of potential yield with Satt2 (r = -0.321). This indicates the ability of microsatellites to act as a marker of a particular trait.