December 16, 2005

US's Purdue University develops new soybean varieties

Purdue University (PU), Indiana State, has developed two new soybean varieties with high yield and above-average protein, which would be available for planting by 2007.

Dr Allen LeRoy of PU developed CL0J173-6-2 and CL0J173-6-8 under a research agreement with the Indiana Soybean Board. The Agricultural Alumni Seed Improvement Association (AASIA) would market the new varieties.

Both varieties had an average protein content of 41.6 percent and average oil content of 19.1 percent in two years of testing, measured on a dry weight basis.

President of AASIA Dr Fayte Brewer said it was rare for soybeans to have both high yield and above average protein at the same time. As such, he saw excellent potential for both new varieties in the market.

Brewer added that farmers should be able to acquire the new varieties for the 2007 planting season.