Identifying differentially expressed genes involved in low seed protein in western Canadian soybeans.

The Canadian Grain Commission reports lower seed protein in western Canadian soybeans compared to eastern Canada. Here we use transcriptomics to identify differences in expression of genes that influence protein, and study effects of environmental variation on geographically-dependent gene expression. Ten lines ranging in protein are growing in 4 locations. Using RNAseq and differential gene expression analysis each line is compared between West and East to determine key genes responsible for seed protein differences. This work will uncover geographically optimal cultivars and assist breeders.