The status of soybean genomics and its role in the development of soybean biotechnologies

The soybean is a major world source of edible oil and high-quality protein. It has an interesting and complex genome structure. It has a rich repertoire of genomic tools and resources that include a vast expressed sequence tag (EST) collection, a densely populated genetic map, a developing physical map, microarray resources, and an efficient transformation system. It also has a large and active research community. The array of resources available would be improved with a finished physical map and a better understanding of the gene space and chromosomal topography of the species. Still, the soybean is clearly the model crop legume.