Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merill] is important source of plant protein and oil. Salt stress causes
yield loss which is a major abiotic stress to soybean. Identification of salt tolerant genes is important for breeding
salt tolerant soybean varieties. This paper summarized salt-tolerance related quantitative trait loci and genes ob⁃
tained through forward genetics, including GmCDF1 (Glyma. 08G102000, a major gene identified at germination
stage), 2 QTLs identified at emergence stage (located on chromosome 6 and chromosome 14 respectively), major
gene GmSALT3 (Glyma03g32900) and the QTL in G-linked group at seedling stage. Thus it was believed that no di⁃
rect correlation between salt tolerances to soybean at different growth stages. The paper also summarized research
progress of improving salt tolerance of soybean by reverse genetics, such as ion transport, transcriptional regulation
and the development of improving salt-tolerance by transferring exogenous genes. It is expected to provide referenc⁃
es for analyzing molecular mechanism of salt tolerance and for soybean breeding.