This project will take the first steps in finding markers associated with yield stability across Nebraska soybean production areas and to understand the genetics of yield stability. Important environmental factors may include water, temperature, light, soil type and fertility, and production system. This research will consider stability for factors other than disease and insect pests, so those biotic factors will be controlled in these experiments with prophylactic treatments on seeds and plants during the growing season. Through a better understanding of yield stability we will be able to incorporate this key trait with high yielding traits earlier in soybean breeding programs at the University of Nebraska and elsewhere to ensure
more consistent yields for soybean producers.