Genotypic variability in seed storage protein quality and fatty acid Composition of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)

Present investigation reports the storage protein quantity and quality as well as fatty acid composition of some locally grown soybean genotypes. Storage protein subunit analysis was done by scanning SDS-PAGE gels by densitometry and fatty acid analysis was done by gas chromatography. Significant genotypic variability was observed in storage protein composition and proportions of different fatty acids in the seed. Out of twenty tested genotypes, ‘PK-1026’ and ‘R-5’ with protein content higher than 41% accumulated higher amounts of glycinin and b-conglycinin. Genotype ‘PK 1026’ showed the highest value for acidic polypeptides of glycinin while genotypes ‘SL 793’, ‘YMV-35’ and ‘R-11’ showed lower values for basic subunit of glycinin and a, a’ & b subunits of b-conglycinin. Genotypes ‘PK 1026’, ‘SEL-P’, ‘SL 592’ and (R-5) with significant higher amounts of glycinin polypeptides could be useful in different breeding programs and their utilisation for specific food functions.