The rapid adoption on the north coast of New South Wales of the most recent soybean variety releases, Surf and Cowrie, is because of their combination of improved suitability to the coastal environment and its acid soils, higher tolerance to wet weather and improved yield, protein levels, seed size and other agronomic traits.

New South Sales Department of Primary Industries (SWDPI) research agronomist Dr Natalie Moore told a recent field day for growers Surf and Cowrie were the first clear-hilum soybean varieties suited for the high value tofu/soymilk market specifically released for the north coast of New South Wales.

Dr Moore said while the oilseed crushing market would accept all hilum colours, markets for soybeans for human consumption demanded clear or light hilum pods.

Contact Dr Natalie Moore 02 6640 1600