ABSTRACT
The International Board for Plant Genetic Resources has recently coordinated efforts to augment the world soybean collection. A key step to exploiting the genetic resources of the subgenus Glycine in soybean improvement is obtaining viable hybrids between these species and soybean. Several specific attributes present among the perennial Glycine, and of potential use in soybean improvement can be listed. In broad outline the perennial Glycine exhibits a striking diversity of geno-types and ecological adaptation. Typically, the perennial Glycine species are minor, inconspicuous components of semi-open Eucalyptus woodland. The most promising results of more recent hybridizations are with a newly described species, G. argyrea Tind. The development represents a significant new contribution from wild perennial germplasm. These developments are the assembly of a large and diverse collection, the achievement of hybrids between the perennials and soybean, and the uncovering of diverse sources of resistance to soybean leaf rust.
