This project engages in further applied variety development research. Soybean producers need excellent high-yielding, disease-resistant new varieties for profitable production. It takes 7 to10 years of plant breeding to produce a new variety. Every year, the program works on all steps of the process, so that new varieties are launched periodically. Program objectives include development of high yielding varieties and breeding lines for the region, incorporation of plant resistance to soybean diseases or environmental stresses, development of herbicide-resistant varieties and breeding lines, development of value-added soybeans (e.g. higher protein and oil combinations), improving plant breeding methodologies, investigating genetic control of important traits and applying that knowledge to soybean improvement.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, extension agents, soybean breeders, seed companies