Genetic marker assay for early soybean disease resistance
This patent covers specific DNA markers in soybeans that are genetically linked to disease-resistance genes, particularly those conferring resistance to frogeye leaf spot and brown stem rot. Plant breeders can test soybean plants for the presence of these markers using standard lab techniques, and use the results to predict which plants carry the desired resistance traits without waiting to observe actual disease symptoms. This accelerates the breeding process by allowing selection of disease-resistant varieties at the seedling stage, saving time and field resources. The approach is called marker-assisted selection and is a well-established technique in commercial plant breeding.
What you could build
A diagnostic marker kit or licensed screening assay sold to soybean seed companies and commercial breeders to accelerate development of disease-resistant soybean varieties; buyers would be major agriscience firms like Corteva, Bayer Crop Science, or Syngenta, as well as regional seed companies.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia soybean producers and agribusiness companies, as well as university extension programs focused on Mid-Atlantic crop disease management, would have interest; Virginia is a significant soybean-producing state.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Michael Godwin, Feng Han, Alec A. Hayes, Xu Hu, Soon-Chun Jeong, Guihua Lu, M. A. Maroof
- Granted
- January 5, 2010
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7642403
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.