If you were a plant breeder and wanted to go to the origin of soybeans in order to find resistance to rust, where would you go?

The correct choice is China, as soybeans (Glycine max) originated from this region. The domestication of soybeans can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices in China, where they were cultivated for thousands of years. By exploring this origin, a plant breeder can tap into the genetic diversity that exists in wild soybean relatives and traditional varieties. This genetic pool may contain traits such as resistance to diseases like rust, which can be valuable for breeding programs aimed at enhancing soybean resilience.

In contrast, Europe, South America, and Iowa do not serve as the original centers of soybean development. While these regions may have significant agricultural production of soybeans and could potentially have some varietal adaptations, they do not offer the same potential for uncovering genetic resistance found in the historical and ecological context of China. Thus, focusing efforts on the region where soybeans originated is key for addressing issues like disease resistance.