Soybean cultivar 6408448

Abstract

A soybean cultivar designated 6408448 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6408448, to the plants of soybean 6408448, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6408448 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6408448 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6408448, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6408448 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6408448 with another soybean cultivar.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a new and distinctive soybean cultivar, designated 6408448. All publications cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference.[0002]There are numerous steps in the development of any novel, desirable plant germplasm. Plant breeding begins with the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of the current germplasm, the establishment of program goals, and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next step is selection of germplasm that possesses the traits to meet the program goals. The goal is to combine in a single variety an improved combination of desirable traits from the parental germplasm. These important traits may include higher seed yield, resistance to diseases and insects, better stems and roots, tolerance to drought and heat, and better agronomic quality.[0003]Choice of breeding or selection methods depends on the mode of plant reproduction, the heritability of the trait(s)...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0033]In another aspect, the present invention provides for single or multiple gene converted plants of soybean cultivar 6408448. The transferred gene(s) may preferably be a dominant or recessive allele. Preferably, the transferred gene(s) will confer such traits as herbicide resistance, insect resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, male fertility, male sterility, enhanced nutritional quality, and industrial usage. The gene may be a naturally occurring soybean gene or a transgene introduced through genetic engineering techniques.

Problems solved by technology

The complexity of inheritance influences choice of the breeding method.

Therefore, development of new cultivars is a time-consuming process that requires precise forward planning, efficient use of resources, and a minimum of changes in direction.

A most difficult task is the identification of individuals that are genetically superior, because for most traits the true genotypic value is masked by other confounding plant traits or environmental factors.

The cultivars that are developed are unpredictable because the breeder's selection occurs in unique environments with no control at the DNA level (using conventional breeding procedures), and with millions of different possible genetic combinations being generated.

A breeder of ordinary skill in the art cannot predict the final resulting lines he develops, except possibly in a very gross and general fashion.

This unpredictability results in the expenditure of large amounts of research monies to develop superior new soybean cultivars.

The introduction of a new cultivar will incur additional costs to the seed producer, the grower, processor and consumer for special advertising and marketing, altered seed and commercial production practices, and new product utilization.

Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification.