Recipient Organization
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE
(N/A)
RALEIGH,NC 27695
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
40%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
40%
Applied
40%
Developmental
20%
Goals / Objectives
Test weight is an important factor in determining the price of soybean at the elevator. Low test weight can be very problematic for farmers and can often times make a bad situation worse. In 2020, farmers in the Midwest and other growing regions throughout the US experienced a very dry summer, which carried over into the fall. At harvest, seed quality was good, but test weight in addition to yield was low, which further decreased the value of the crop. Low test weight is not just a problem in adverse years, but it is a problem every year for US farmers. For soybeans, the standard test weight is 60lbs/bu, but the average test weight in the US is only 56. 4lbs/bu. Objectives to which ARS investigator will contribute: 1) Implement coordinated multi-state trials to determine the impact of genetics and geography on test weight using an array of extreme soybean types and extreme environments. Agronomic performance and seed composition will be assessed. 2) Determine the relation of test weight to seed size, seed quality, protein and oil content, amino acid content and yield.
Project Methods
Objective 1: In North Carolina and Alabama two tests will be grown in 2023 that will be harvested at three different dates. The first harvest date will be 1-2 weeks after the plants reach maturity, and subsequent harvests will be delayed by 2-3 weeks. In these two tests, lines will be included that vary in protein and oil content, seed size and genetic diversity. Each test will consist of 26 USDA elite breeding lines and four yield checks that will be evaluated for yield, seed size, seed quality, and test weight across three replications. Test weight will be analyzed using a Grain Analysis Computer (GAC 2500-UGMA). Objective 2: We will investigate maturity group (MG) V-VIII USDA breeding lines with high protein or high oil, providing a significant range of seed protein and oil (35-42% protein and 18-21% oil on a 13% moisture basis). Also, genotypes will be evaluated that have substantial differences in seed sizes (13 â¿¿ 18g per 100-seed). All lines will be evaluated in replicated yield trials. After harvest, a GAC 2500-UGMA will be used to assess test weight. Seed oil and protein content will be analyzed with a Perten 7550 Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR). Analyses of amino acid content will be completed using an Agilent N6890 Gas Chromatograph (GC).