Molecular markers for soybean disease-resistance breeding
This patent covers specific DNA markers in soybeans that are linked to genes conferring disease resistance. By identifying these genetic markers, plant breeders can screen soybean plants at the seedling stage — before any disease exposure — and select only those with the resistance traits they want to propagate. This accelerates traditional breeding programs by replacing slow, field-based disease testing with a fast, lab-based DNA test. The markers can also help scientists locate and clone the actual resistance genes for further study or biotechnology applications.
What you could build
A molecular marker screening service or licensed assay kit sold to soybean seed companies and public breeding programs, enabling faster development of disease-resistant soybean varieties without relying on greenhouse or field disease trials.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia soybean producers and commodity groups, as well as ag biotech firms or university breeding programs active in the mid-Atlantic region, would have interest in licensing or using these markers.
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. Saghai Maroof
- Granted
- June 5, 2012
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8193411
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.