Our team is actively working on the development of high-yielding lines, while maintaining a continuous focus on achieving lines with the least mature seed damage. Seed quality studies were conducted in 2024 in multiple locations to evaluate the impact of planting time and maturity groups, aiming to develop an integrated management system for optimizing soybean production and seed quality. Additionally, a second set of seed quality studies were conducted in 2024 in the mid-west and southern U.S. to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar fungicides under normal and delayed harvesting conditions. Publications have developed from field and laboratory experiments included in this project.

Issues with seed quality remain an on-going concern amongst growers. Even in seasons when environmental conditions do not seem to be conducive, there still can be instances or poor-quality seed. This reiterates the importance of the breeding aspect surrounding this issue. Seed which have been bred to be resistant/tolerant will always be the first line of defense and growers can be reassured their soybean crop will have one less concern from planting through harvest. Additionally, with Hurricane Helene, there has been widespread seed quality issues in the acreage in its path. Some of the research done with USB Seed Quality funds were shared with colleagues from these states to give them some recent research-based information to share with their farmers/ag businesses.