The Synchronized Efforts to Decipher the Molecular Basis for Soybean Maturity Loci , , and That Regulate Flowering and Maturity.

The general concept of photoperiodism, i.e., the photoperiodic induction of flowering, was established by Garner and Allard (1920). The genetic factor controlling flowering time, maturity, or photoperiodic responses was observed in soybean soon after the discovery of the photoperiodism. , , and were named in 1971 and, thereafter, genetically characterized. At the centennial celebration of the discovery of photoperiodism in soybean, we recount our endeavors to successfully decipher the molecular bases for the major maturity loci , , and in soybean. Through systematic efforts, we successfully cloned the gene in 2009, the gene in 2011, and the gene in 2012. Recently, successful identification of several circadian-related genes such as , , and has enriched the known major pathway. Further research progresses on the identification of new flowering and maturity-related genes as well as coordinated regulation between flowering genes will enable us to understand profoundly flowering gene network and determinants of latitudinal adaptation in soybean.