Registration of ‘S16‐5540GT’ soybean cultivar with high yield, resistance to multiple diseases, elevated protein content, and wide adaptation

Abstract

Abstract‘S16‐5540GT’ (Reg. no. CV‐551, PI 699633) is a mid‐IV maturity group, semi‐determinate, glyphosate‐tolerant, high‐yielding soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar developed and released in 2020 by the University of Missouri–Fisher Delta Research Center Soybean Breeding Program. High global demand for soybean oil and animal feed and U.S. southern growers’ preference for early‐maturing cultivars with high yield potential and glyphosate tolerance led to the development and release of S16‐5540GT soybean. S16‐5540GT was tested in 88 environments in Missouri and other southern states from 2017 to 2020 for yield and other agronomic traits. On average, S16‐5540GT yielded 4,244 kg ha–1, which was higher than the all‐tests mean of 3,885 kg ha–1. S16‐5540GT seed averages 411 (41.1%) and 220 (22%) g kg–1 of protein and oil, respectively, on a dry seed weight basis. S16‐5540GT exhibits relative maturity of 4.6 and has white flowers, tawny pubescence, and tan pod walls. Seed is yellow with intermediate luster and black hila, with a 100 seed weight of 15.0 g. S16‐5540GT plants average 76 cm in height and are resistant to lodging. S16‐5540GT is resistant to cyst nematode races 2 (HG type 1.2.5.7), 3 (HG type 5.7), and 5 (HG type 2.5.7); peanut and southern root knot nematode; reniform nematode; frogeye leaf spot; Phomopsis seed decay; and charcoal rot and is moderately resistant to Cercospora leaf blight and stem canker. S16‐5540GT is also a chloride excluder. It is an excellent choice for farmers who are interested in glyphosate tolerance for weed control and saving seed for planting.