Potential and prospects of novel molecular breeding techniques for yield improvment in soybean (Glycine max)

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most prominent legume crops, primarily being cultivated as a substitute for high-protein meat and a source of vegetable oil. Soybean has always been in demand worldwide due to its nutritional and economic value. Soybean and similar higher market-value products are used either directly or as a component in various soy-based items. Conventional breeding techniques have increased soybean yields for the past few years but are not able to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly growing population. Therefore, new genomic techniques are required to overcome those challenges. The role of novel molecular breeding techniques such as speed breeding, modifications of genome editing, genome-wide association studies, genomic selection, ‘breeding by design’, and RNA-directed DNA methylation are summarised in this review highlighting their future potential in soybean improvement. These techniques have opened up opportunities to introduce greater genetic diversity into the soybean germplasm. Different soybean yield, quality, and other agricultural traits including abiotic and biotic stresses have been improved using these techniques and research is underway to revolutionize the soybean genomic field.