For the tofu and soy milk market breeding program, we will release one or more cultivars in Spring of 2017. Release will be determined by data from 2017 field trials as well as interest from producers and approval by the Crop Variety Release and Distribution Committee.

For our development of cultivars for the natto and soy sprout (small seeded) markets, in the winter of 2015 we sent 30 selected individuals from three cross combinations to Puerto Rico, making this seed available for limited tests in 2016. Initial tests were limited to two locations, with two reps at each. From this test, 11 lines were selected for seed size and yield. These lines are being grown in full yield trials in 2017 and will be evaluated for yield, agronomic traits, seed size and seed coat entirety. As we have received high levels of interest from producers and processors for natto lines, we will make a very small amount of seed for selected lines available for on-farm trials in 2018, with potential for early release in 2018.

For our development of black seeded soybean cultivars, over 200 F4 plants are being grown this summer. Preliminary seed color and yield testing will take place in 2018. Fully replicated yield trials will occur over two or three years, depending on performance and producer interest, starting in summer of 2019, with earliest release of cultivars in Fall of 2020.

First quarter (March 2018):
• Send seed to collaborators (Dorrance, Michel, Niblack) for greenhouse assays.
• Perform compositional analysis (protein and oil) on NIR & GC (~200).
• Make selections based on yield, disease, & seed composition data. Begin planting plans.

Second Quarter (June 2018):
• Propose releases to the Crop Variety Release and Distribution Committee.
• Send seed to collaborators for additional trial locations (regional uniform tests).
• Plant field tests (~10000) and seed increases, plant greenhouse crossing blocks.

Third Quarter (September 2018):
• Carry out crosses in greenhouse (>200).
• Collect DNA samples from F2 nursery lines, assay markers, make selections.
• Collect field notes. Rogue seed increases to maintain purity.

Fourth Quarter (December 2018):
• Harvest plots and crosses, analyze yield and agronomic data from harvest.
• Plant hybrid seed (>200) in greenhouse, send seed to winter nursery for advancement.

Update:
Protein and oil data was collected via NIR on 2-3 replicates of 2-3 locations of nearly 1000 breeding lines. Data for 2018 as well as multi-year summaries have been calculated. Based on this data as well prior reports on pest and disease resistance, we have prepared materials for release of three cultivars including two for the tofu and soy milk market. Of additional interest are seven natto cultivars that have undergone their second year of yield testing, with two lines exhibiting promising yield and seed size. Students have been making rapid progress, with one student (Stephanie Karhoff) having a manuscript on characterization of resistance to Phytophthora sojae recently accepted and preparing to defend her defense this semester.