Researchers Identify High-Yielding Soybean Varieties with Potential for Higher Crude Protein and Oil Levels

Global demand is putting pressure on U.S. soybean growers to increase yield as well as quality components like protein and oil content. Soybean growers searching for high-yielding varieties that will meet this need can look to Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. The company has been collecting protein and oil content data since the early 1990s, and this grain composition information is now available to growers in many of the company's product catalogs or from local sales representatives.

"In order for soybean growers to maximize profitability in a global market, it will become increasingly important to choose top-yielding varieties that have the potential to produce above-average protein and/or oil levels," says Todd Frazier, Pioneer soybean marketing manager. "Our characterization program fits nicely with the goals of the United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) to raise the overall yield and quality of U.S.-grown soybeans and strengthen our position as the world's preferred soybean supplier."

As part of this effort, USB and ASA have launched the "Select Yield and Quality" program. It's designed to raise grower awareness of reduced protein levels in soybeans grown in the Dakotas and Minnesota, provide access to information on oil and protein levels and help growers capture higher value for soybeans by choosing high-yielding varieties with potential for higher crude protein and oil levels.

Pioneer expanded its protein and oil characterization efforts in the Upper Midwest during the last two years. In 2003, Pioneer characterized varieties from more than 400 locations in that region, by using near-infrared (NIR) instruments with industry standard calibrations. Pioneer researchers also plan to test more than 500 commercial and experimental lines in 2004. This information is provided to customers so they can make even better variety selection decisions.

"Genetic differences exist among varieties in protein and oil content and characterization results can help identify those differences," says Frazier. "Although varieties generally retain their relative ranking from year to year, environmental conditions play a significant role in the overall protein and oil content of the crop from year to year."

Frazier explains that protein levels decrease in all varieties as production moves from south to north. This is largely believed to be due to environmental conditions including cooler summer temperatures in northern regions.

"We believe selecting the right soybean varieties for the right location is the key to improved value per acre," adds Frazier. "This takes into account yield potential, pest and disease resistance, contracting opportunities and environment."

Growers can contact their Pioneer sales professional or agronomist for performance, protein and oil data for their area.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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