Selection of Soybean Varieties

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When choosing the varieties of soybeans to plant there are several factors that are important to consider. In making your choice it is good to consult the state soybean variety yield test results. These are unbiased tests of soybeans from several different companies. These tests are conducted on-farm or on an experiment station under different growing conditions in several different regions. There may be tests conducted at a location near you. By reviewing these results, other area farmers’ experiences, and your own experiences you should be able to choose varieties that will meet your needs.

When considering soybean varieties, disease resistance, soybean cyst nematode resistance, herbicide tolerance, seedling vigor, maturity, standability, and yield are all important. It is important to identify potential field problems with diseases, soybean cyst nematodes and seedling vigor so you can choose an appropriate variety for the field conditions. Sometimes disease resistance is more important than yield. Once a soybean is infected with a disease there is little that can be done about it and substantial yield loss may occur. The disease Sudden Death Syndrome or SDS has caused significant yield loss in recent years, but identifying varieties resistant to the foliar symptoms of this disease has been difficult. Selecting varieties that are compatible with your soils, cropping system, and farming methods is a challenge, but should provide rewards at harvest time. For more information on selection of soybean varieties contact your local Extension office.

Leon Stites, HLStites@oznet.ksu.edu
County Extension Agent, Agriculture
Leavenworth County, Kansas
Kansas State University Research and Extension