Identification of candidate genes for drought tolerance in soybean through QTL mapping and gene expression analysis

Through QTL mapping and differential gene expression profiling, five candidate genes were identified, with two (<i>Glyma.06G076100</i> and <i>Glyma.10G029600</i>) highlighted as putative candidates based on functional annotations. These genes appear to play critical roles in stress tolerance, including ion homeostasis and the regulation of plasma membrane ATPase, as well as the synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) that mitigate dehydration and thermal stress. These findings advance our understanding of the genetic basis of drought tolerance in soybean and provide valuable targets for breeding programs aimed at developing resilient cultivars.