Identification of novel haplotype of a cyst nematode resistance gene, GmSNAP18 in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is one of the most damaging pest of soybean. Discovery and characterization of the genes involved in SCN resistance are important in soybean breeding. Soluble NSF attachment protein (SNAP) genes are related to SCN resistance in soybean. SNAP genes include five gene families, and 2 haplotypes of exons 6 and 9 of SNAP18 are considered resistant to the SCN. In present study the haplotypes of GmSNAP18 were surveyed and chacterized in a total of 60 diverse soybean genotypes including Korean cultivars, landraces, and wild-types. The target region of exons 6 and 9 in GmSNAP18 region was amplified and sequenced to examine nucleotide variation. Characterization of 5 haplotypes identified in present study for the GmSNAP18 gene revealed two haplotypes as resistant, 1 as susceptible and two as novel. A total of twelve genotypes showed resistant haplotypes, and 45 cultivars were found susceptible. Interestingly, the two novel haplotypes were present in 3 soybean lines. The information provided here about the haplotypic variation of GmSNAP18 gene can be further explored for soybean breeding to develop resistant varieties.