Innovations in genomics have enabled the development of low‐cost, high‐resolution, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays that accelerate breeding progress and support basic research in crop science. Here, we developed and validated the SoySNP618K array (618,888 SNPs) for the important crop soybean. The SNPs were selected from whole‐genome resequencing data containing 2,214 diverse soybean accessions; 29.34% of the SNPs mapped to genic regions representing 86.85% of the 56,044 annotated high‐confidence genes. Identity‐by‐state analyses of 318 soybeans revealed 17 redundant accessions, highlighting the potential of the SoySNP618K array in supporting gene bank management. The patterns of population stratification and genomic regions enriched through domestication were highly consistent with previous findings based on resequencing data, suggesting that the ascertainment bias in the SoySNP618K array was largely compensated for. Genome‐wide association mapping in combination with reported quantitative trait loci enabled fine‐mapping of genes known to influence flowering time, E2 and GmPRR3b, and of a new candidate gene, GmVIP5. Moreover, genomic prediction of flowering and maturity time in 502 recombinant inbred lines was highly accurate (>0.65). Thus, the SoySNP618K array is a valuable genomic tool that can be used to address many questions in applied breeding, germplasm management, and basic crop research.

As an important horticultural plant, Rhododendron is often used in urban greening and landscape design. However, factors such as the high rate of genetic recombination, frequent outcrossing in the wild, weak linkage disequilibrium, and the susceptibility of gene expression to environmental factors limit further exploration of functional genes related to important horticultural traits, and make the breeding of new varieties require a longer time. Therefore, we choose bark as the target trait which is not easily affected by environmental factors, but also has ornamental properties. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Rhododendron delavayi (30 samples), R. irroratum (30 samples) and their F₁ generation R. agastum (200 samples) was conducted on the roughness of bark phenotypes. Finally, we obtained 2416.31 Gbp of clean data and identified 5 328 800 high-quality SNPs. According to the P-value and the degree of linkage disequilibrium of SNPs, we further identified 4 out of 11 candidate genes that affect bark roughness. The results of gene differential expression analysis further indicated that the expression levels of Rhdel02G0243600 and Rhdel08G0220700 in different bark phenotypes were significantly different. Our study identified functional genes that influence important horticultural traits of Rhododendron, and illustrated the powerful utility and great potential of GWAS in understanding and exploiting wild germplasm genetic resources of Rhododendron.

With the continuous rise in global temperatures, heat stress has become a significant threat to rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield. MYB transcription factors, the largest family of genes in plants, play a crucial role in mediating responses to various abiotic stresses. However, the specific functions of MYB genes in rice under heat stress remain largely unexplored. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive genome-wide characterization of the MYB transcription factor family and performed an RNA-seq analysis to identify OsMYB genes that are responsive to heat stress. We identified 229 MYB genes in rice, 134 of which exhibited significant expression changes under heat treatment. An RT-qPCR analysis validated the RNA-seq results for 15 MYB genes, confirming significant expression changes, such as the upregulation of Os02g0685200 after heat stress and the downregulation of Os05g0579600. Six highly responsive genes were selected for further analysis. Cis-acting elements associated with hormone response and abiotic stress were identified in the promoter regions of these genes. A subcellular localization analysis revealed that, except for Os05g0579600, which located to both the nucleus and cytoplasm, the other MYB genes (Os01g0192300, Os02g0685200, Os06g0637500, Os06g0669700, and Os09g0106700) were predominantly located in the nucleus. In yeast, Os01g0192300, Os06g0637500, and Os06g0669700 exhibited transcriptional activation activity, while Os02g0685200 and Os09g0106700 showed transcriptional repression activity. Notably, these genes responded not only to heat stress but also to other abiotic stresses, such as cold, salt, and heavy metal cadmium. This study provides valuable insights into the functional roles of OsMYB family genes in the heat stress response, identifying Os01g0192300, Os02g0685200, Os05g0579600, Os06g0637500, Os06g0669700, and Os09g0106700 as potential key genes involved in heat tolerance in rice.