“Cienciometria dos estudos genéticos da soja (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)”

Abstract

Soy (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is among the main crops in global agribusiness, mainly because it is an alternative rich in proteins, vitamins and fats, and can be considered a functional food in the human diet. However, during the vegetative and reproductive cycle of this legume, several problems and disease-causing agents can arise, causing significant losses, if an adequate management system is not implemented to avoid them. Therefore, studying the genetic diversity of this species is important both to manage its resources and to program conservation techniques. Over the years, scientists have worked hard to find cultivars that are more resistant, easier to manage, but, above all, more productive, disease-resistant and pragmatic. It is worth noting that Brazil is currently one of the largest producers of soybeans and, due to its high production, it broke a record with 156 million tons of the grain in the 2022/2023 harvest. This was possible due to the genetic improvement carried out, which helped the country to expand soybean cultivation from the south to the north. In the study of genetic diversity, molecular markers are an important tool, as they allow genetic distinction between individuals through direct DNA analysis, making it possible to investigate genetic variability in gene complexities of cultivated species available in germplasm banks. With scientometric studies, which are based on a bibliographic survey in the form of “quantification of science”, it is possible to analyze data in relation to scientific production on genetic studies of soybeans through molecular markers, mapping the evolution or decline of production in the field of science, in addition to identifying emerging areas that require the greatest financial or human resources support to better progress. Therefore, this study aimed to carry out a scientometric analysis of soybean genetic studies. And, more specifically, the scientific production regarding soybean genetics between 2012 and 2018; define the main subareas of knowledge covered by published articles; relate the techniques used to analyze the genetic aspects of the plant; and, propose targeting strategies for future soybean studies.