Organic Soybeans Research Articles

Proteomics analyses of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified, conventionally, and organically farmed soybean seeds

The present study compared genetically modified (GM) crops with crops from different farming practices using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and proteomics bioinformatics tools. In a previously published study, a number of significant differences regarding nutritional and elemental composition between a selection of GM, non-GM conventionally farmed, and organic soybeans have been found. In the present study, the proteome-level equivalence of the same samples was assessed using HR-MS. Direct comparison of tandem mass spectra and bottom-up proteomics bioinformatics indicated that proteomes of all samples investigated were very similar overall, with only a few distinct protein expression clusters obtained for GM and organic samples. Standard bottom-up proteome analyses identified 1025 soy proteins; of these 39 were found to be differentially expressed (p < 0.01) between GM, non-GM conventionally farmed, and organically farmed soybeans. Subsequent bioinformatics analyses of these proteins highlighted several potentially affected biochemical pathways that could contribute to the compositional differences reported earlier. In addition, protein markers separating conventionally, and organically farmed soybean seeds were found and peptide markers for the detection of GM soy in food and feed samples are described. Taken together, the data presented here shows that HR-MS based proteomics approaches can be used for the detection of transgenic events in food and feed grade soy, the differentiation of organically and conventionally farmed plants, and provide mechanistic explanations of effects observed on the phenotypic level of GM plants. HR-MS and proteomic bioinformatics thus should be considered key tools when developing molecular panel approaches for detection and safety assessments of novel crop varieties destined for use in feed and food.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN USAHATANI KEDELAI ORGANIK DI KECAMATAN SONDER KABUPATEN MINAHASA (Organic Soybean Business Development Strategy in Sonder Sub District, Minahasa Regency)

The objective of this research was to analyze the strategy for developing organic soybean farming in Sonder District, Minahasa Regency. This research was carried out for 2 months, from April to May 2022. The place of this research was carried out in Sonder District, Minahasa Regency. This study uses primary data and secondary data. Primary data were obtained from direct observation and interviews with respondents based on a list of questions. Secondary data were collected and obtained from agencies related to this research. The sampling method used purposive sampling method, namely by taking samples intentionally as many as 5 people consisting of the head of the farmer group, consultant, BPP coordinator, field extension workers and the government. The informants were chosen because they were considered to have a better understanding of the existing problems in order to determine the soybean development strategy in Sonder District. Descriptive data analysis and, using analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT).&#x0D; Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the alternative Strength Opportunity (SO) strategy is as follows: increasing production by utilizing unused land by using grobogan variety soybeans according to factory demand, rearranging planning regarding the suitability of seed assistance and seed needs, with the existence of land certificates organic matter from ICERT so that the requirements for organic land meet the requirements for land use and support the development of organic soybeans in Sonder Sub District, and utilize organic fertilizer raw materials which are always available so as to support increased soybean production.

Comparison of Trapping Effects of Different Traps and Monitoring the Occurrence Dynamics of Spodoptera litura in Soybean Fields of Dangtu, Anhui Province, China

In order to clarify the trapping efficiency of different types of sex pheromone traps on populations of Spodoptera litura in soybean fields, three kinds of conventional traps, called YL-VT, YL-HEMT and YL-NMT, and types of traps equipped with a automatic catch monitoring mechanism, called AIM and AIM-lite-A, have been tested. These last two allow monitoring the diurnal and seasonal rhythms of the catches. From 5 August to 5 October 2020, each YL-VT trap caught an average of 84.4 heads of S. litura moths per day, which was significantly higher than the YL-HEMT (11.8 heads), YL-NMT (16.5 heads) and AIM (9.7 heads), which did not show significant differences between them. The half-life of pheromone attraction effect in YL-VT trap is about 17–20 days. Considering the number of trapping and the duration of pheromone attraction effect, YL-VT trap is the best. For efficient monitoring, the validity period is approximately 15 days. Among the causes that could explain its higher capture rate and efficiency, the YL-VT trap has the smallest and largest number of inlet devices, and in it, the lure core is located inside of the insect inlet device. Under different occurrence numbers of S. litura, the accuracy of the automatic count of AIM-lite-A is 90% greater than in the AIM trap. The diurnal rhythms of S. litura observed by AIM-lite-A show that S. litura have two active periods that are from 18:00 to 21:00 and from 23:00 to 4:00 at night and that the first active period may be affected by sunshine and temperature. The annual activity rhythm of S. litura monitored by AIM showed that the activity of S. litura was related to temperature, there were approximately 6 generations of S. litura in a year and that the activity peak was from August to September in Dangtu, China. AIM and AIM-lite-A can be used for the annual monitoring of S. litura population in soybean fields because of their automatic counting function. AIM can simultaneously record a variety of meteorological data, AIM-lite-A has higher accuracy and a lower cost, which can be selected according to different situations. In conventional traps, the trap YL-VT can be used for the population monitoring of S. litura in soybean fields and pest control in the field, especially in greenhouses and net rooms where organic soybeans are grown, due to its low cost and efficient trapping ability.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolomics studies on non-organic soybeans versus organic soybeans (Glycine max), and their fermentation by Rhizopus oligosporus.

Soybeans (Glycine max) are high in proteins and isoflavones, which offer many health benefits. It has been suggested that the fermentation process enhances the nutrients in the soybeans. Organic foods are perceived as better than non-organic foods in terms of health benefits, yet little is known about the difference in the phytochemical content that distinguishes the quality of organic soybeans from non-organic soybeans. This study investigated the chemical profiles of non-organic (G, T, U, UB) and organic (C, COF, A, R, B, Z) soybeans (G. max [L.] Merr.) and their metabolite changes after fermentation with Rhizopus oligosporus. A clear separation was only observed between non-organic G and organic Z, which were then selected for further investigation in the fermentation of soybeans (GF and ZF). All four groups (G, Z, GF, ZF) were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy along with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In this way a total of 41 and 47 metabolites were identified respectively, with 12 in common. A clear variation (|log1.5 FC| > 2 and P < 0.05) was observed between Z and ZF: most of the sugars and isoflavone glycosides were found only in Z, while more amino acids and organic acids were found in ZF. An additional four metabolites clustered as C-glycosylflavonoids were discovered from MS/MS-based molecular networking. Chemical profiles of non-organic and organic soybeans exhibited no significant difference. However, the metabolite profile of the unfermented soybeans, which were higher in sugars, shifted to higher amino acid and organic acid content after fermentation, thereby potentially enhancing their nutritional value. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Growth and Yield of Soyabean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) With Fertilization Of Goat Cage And Bio-Growth

Soybean is one of the third most essential crops after rice and maize, whose production still needs to be increased. One of the efforts to utilize less fertile land is using organic fertilizers in goat manure and Bio-Growth. This study aimed to obtain the best dose of goat manure and Bio-Growth for soybean growth and yield. This research has been carried out at the experimental garden of the Kubang Research and Assessment of Agricultural Technology (BPTP) Balitbangtan Riau from August to November 2021. The method is practical with a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of 2 factorials with 3 replications. The first factor is goat manure (K0: 0 tons/ha, K1: 10 tons/ha, and K2: 20 tons/ha); the second factor is Bio-Growth (B0: 0 ml/4 l water, B1: 72.5 ml/4 l water, B2: 145 ml/4 l water, and B3: 217.5 ml/4 l water). The height of the plant, the number of its leaves, the diameter of its stem, the number of its branches, the number of pods produced by each plant, the weight of pods produced by each plant, the total weight of pods, and the weight of one hundred seeds were all measured. The application of goat manure and Bio-Growth influenced the height of the plant, the number of leaves, the number of pods produced by each plant, the weight of each pod, the total weight of the pods, and the weight of one hundred seeds. It was determined that the interaction between the two treatments did not impact all experimental parameters. This study concludes that the best application of goat manure is 10 tons/ha, while the most efficient Bio-Growth dose of 72.5 ml/4 l of water can increase the growth and yield of organic soybeans.

Spring-seeded winter rye living mulches enhance crop biodiversity and promote reduced tillage organic soybeans

As recognition increases of the benefits of reducing soil disturbance to preserve soil health, there is mounting interest in developing innovative methods of using cover crops as living mulches to control weeds in organic grain systems. Spring-planted winter cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) interseeded with soybeans (Glycine max. [L.] Merr.) is a promising, yet untested, living mulch system because rye exhibits vigorous growth in the early spring during the critical weed free period, but then dies back as the soybean canopy matures. The objectives of this study were to compare a rye living mulch system with a tilled “organic business-as-usual” control, and to understand the risks and benefits associated with delaying soybean planting date to manage the weed seed bank prior to establishment of rye and soybeans. Three treatments including (1) a June-planted rye and soybean living mulch system, (2) a June planted tilled control, and (3) a May planted tilled control, were compared in terms of weed prevalence and soybean grain yield in a randomized complete block experimental design with four replications implemented across 3 site years from 2019 to 2020. Interseeding rye as a living mulch resulted in consistently higher weed pressure as compared to tilled controls. Increased weed pressure in May- over June-planted controls in 2 of 3 site years indicate planting date influences weed dynamics. Rye biomass was positively correlated with soybean yield (R2 = 0.76, r = 0.87, p &amp;lt; 0.05) and negatively correlated with weed biomass (R2 = 0.63, r = −0.79, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Under optimal conditions where rye biomass was maximized, interseeding rye adequately suppressed weeds without reducing soybean yields as compared to tilled controls. However, under drier conditions with lower rye production, increased weed pressure and reduced yields emphasize the risks associated with living mulch systems.

Assessment of soy-based imports into the United States and associated foreign animal disease status.

Soy‐based products are known to pose a viable risk to U.S. swine herds because of their ability to harbour and transmit virus. This publication aimed to evaluate soy imports into the United States as a whole and from foreign animal disease positive (FAD‐positive) countries to determine which products are being imported in the highest quantities and observe potential trends in imports from FAD‐positive countries. Import data were accessed through the United States International Trade Commission website (USITC DataWeb) and summarized using R (version 4.0.2, R core team, Vienna, Austria). Twenty‐one different Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes were queried to determine quantities (metric tonnes, MT) and breakdown of different soy product types being imported into the United States from 2015 to 2020. A total of 78 different countries exported soy products to the United States in 2019 and 2020 with top contributors being Canada (546,467 and 481,497 MT, respectively), India (397,858 and 430,621 MT, respectively) and Argentina (122,116 and 79,471 MT, respectively). Soy oilcake (582,273 MT) was imported in the largest quantities, followed by organic soybeans (270,194 MT) and soy oil (134,436 MT) for 2020. Of the 78 countries, 46 had cases of FAD reported through the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) World Animal Health Information Database (WAHIS). Top exporters of soy products to the United States from FAD‐positive countries in 2019 and 2020 were India (397,858 and 430,621 MT, respectively), Argentina (122,116 MT in 2019) and Ukraine (40,293 and 56,392 MT, respectively). The risk of FAD introduction to the United States through soy imports can fluctuate based on where FAD outbreaks are occurring, shipping methods and end usage of products. A system to monitor these factors could help make future decisions about trade and risk of FAD introduction to U.S. swine herds.

Effect of organic farming on the ladybird beetle diversity (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Coccinellidae perform the function of biological control of pests in nature, they eat aphids and other insects, which is important in organic agriculture. The aim of the work was to establish the distribution and species composition of the family Coccinellidae in the organic agro-landscape. The research was conducted at the Skvyra research station of organic production (Kyiv region, Ukraine). Insects were collected by entomological mowing with a net in four stages of plant development. The organic agro-landscape included crops of buckwheat, oats, soybeans and winter wheat. Data from neighbor conventional soybean and winter wheat ecosystems were used for comparison. The agroecosystems of these crops, which included felds, ecotones ”feld – feld protective forest shelter belt”, feld protective forest shelter belts, were studied. The study identifed 10 species of the family Coccinellidae, the number of species ranged from 1 to 89/100 waves, the largest in the ecosystem of organic winter wheat. H. axiridis belonged to the recedents and was found in fve agroecosystems in the amount of 1-7 individuals / 100 waves. The most common species were C. septempunctata, T. sedecimpunctata and larvae of Coccinellidae, which were eudominant in the organic agro-landscape. Species Vibidia sp. was found only in organic agroecosystems of buckwheat and oats. The variety of ladybugs in organic winter wheat was higher than in conventional. Organic soybeans, in contrast, had less variety of Coccinellidae than conventional soybeans, as confrmed by cluster analysis. Species richness in crop ecosystems ranged from 3 to 8 in different study periods. High correlations of insect numbers were found between felds, ecotones and forest shelter belts, as well as between neighbor ecotones and neighbor forest belts, which indicates the migration of insects between these areas. Thus, the diversity and prevalence of Coccinellidae in the organic agro-landscape, compared to the traditional one, has been established. Key words: ladybugs, organic farming, agrolandscape, agroecosystem, crops, species.

Assessment of Soy-Based Imports into the US and Associated Foreign Animal Disease Status

Soy-based products are known to pose a viable risk to US swine herds because of their ability to harbor and transmit virus. This study evaluated soy imports into the US as a whole and from foreign animal disease positive (FAD+) countries to determine which products are being imported in the highest quantities and observe potential trends in imports from FAD+ countries. Import data were accessed through the United States International Trade Commission website (USITC DataWeb) and summarized using R (version 4.0.2, R core team, Vienna, Austria). Twenty-one different Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes were queried to determine quantities (US tons, T) and breakdown of different soy product types being imported into the US from 2015 to 2020. A total of 78 different countries exported soy products to the US in 2019 and 2020, with top contributors being Canada (602,377 T and 530,759 T, respectively), India (438,563 T and 474,678 T, respectively), and Argentina (134,610 T and 87,602 T, respectively). In 2020, soy oilcake (641,846 T) was imported in the largest quantities, followed by organic soybeans (297,838 T) and soy oil (148,190 T). Of the 78 countries, 46 had cases of FAD reported through the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) World Animal Health Information Database (WAHIS). Top exporters of soy products to the US from FAD+ countries in 2019 and 2020 were India (438,563 T and 474,678 T, respectively), Argentina (134,610 T in 2019), and Ukraine (44,415 T and 62,162 T, respectively). A system to monitor the sourcing of these products into the US and the end usage would allow for a greater understanding of the risk of these products to domestic swine herds.

УПРАВЛІННЯ РИЗИКАМИ В ЕКСПОРТНО-ОРІЄНТОВАНИХ ЛАНЦЮГАХ ПОСТАЧАННЯ АГРОПРОДОВОЛЬЧОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ

The increase in agriexport volume is largely determined by the potential of the domestic market, technological development of agricultural production and processing industries, infrastructure, including logistics support. The development of global agrifood supply chains has been influenced by the interests the agricultural market players, from primary agricultural producers to consumers in marketing niches. The presence of risks drivers at the level of agricultural producers, processing enterprises and other participants in agri-food supply chains necessitates the formation of competitive positioning strategies. Ukraine relies on imports of milk and dairy products, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, berries and grapes, which can be grown by domestic producers. Such commodities are subjects to the agricultural bargaining in many developed economies. Cooperation between government agencies and associations of agricultural producers helps to reduce the level of uncertainty and risk under the destructive effects of global economic forces. The role of the government in the formation of risk management mechanisms in agribusiness is more noticeable than in other areas, which is reflected by the impact on subsidization mechanism, taxation, the formation of marketing channels of produce movement, leveling the influence of market power of retailers. It is not justified to increase the volume of exports of products that could be used as feed by the domestic farmers. Increasing exports of raw materials does not always contribute to a positive image of the country in the world markets. As an example the supply of organic soybeans to the US market was illustrated. The impact of risks on participants in agrifood supply chains necessitates the involvement of innovative technologies, financial instruments, regulatory government programs, as well as best management practices.

Organic soybean production in Switzerland

Organic Soybean cultivation experiences an upscale at the moment in Switzerland. As in the rest of Europe, Switzerland is still heavily dependent on protein imports. After years of stakeholders efforts of the development of a value chain for organic soybeans for human nutrition, various attempts to develop the soybean cultivation for feed proved to be fruitful despite the fact that Swiss price level is beyond competition for world market prices. The organic farmers themselves decided to become, at least partially, more independent from overseas soybean imports by opting for organic soybeans of European origin since 2019. Furthermore, Bio Suisse decided that from 2022 on, all ruminants under Bio Suisse certification must be fed with feed of Swiss origin, concentrates are limited to 5% of the ration. Since many years numerous projects are carried out to increase the domestic protein production by developing suitable production systems for peas, faba beans, lupines and soybeans with stakholders along the value chain. Since more than 30 years, Swiss breeders successfully develop 00 to 000 soybean varieties with a focus on human nutrition, organic soybean cultivation and the respective value chains from breeding to endproduct is developing strongly. This article will shed light on particular aspects and drivers, specific measures, relevant projects and cultivation techniques of organic soybean production in Switzerland in the past years and will give an outlook on the future of organic soybeans.

The Introduction of Thousands of Tonnes of Glyphosate in the food Chain-An Evaluation of Glyphosate Tolerant Soybeans.

Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) soybeans dominate the world soybean market. These plants have triggered increased use of, as well as increased residues of, glyphosate in soybean products. We present data that show farmers have doubled their glyphosate applications per season (from two to four) and that residues of late season spraying of glyphosate (at full bloom of the plant) result in much higher residues in the harvested plants and products. GT soybeans produced on commercial farms in the USA, Brazil and Argentina accumulate in total an estimated 2500–10,000 metric tonnes of glyphosate per year, which enter global food chains. We also review studies that have compared the quality of GT soybeans with conventional and organic soybeans. Feeding studies in Daphnia magna have shown dose-related adverse effects (mortality, reduced fecundity and delayed reproduction) of glyphosate residues in soybeans, even at glyphosate concentrations below allowed residue levels. We argue that GT soybeans need to be tested in fully representative and realistic contexts. However, the current risk assessment system has only required and received data from field trials with beans that were sprayed with much lower doses of glyphosate as compared to contemporary commercial farms. This has left knowledge gaps and a potentially serious underestimation of health risks to consumers.

Comparison of Compositions of Imported Genetically Modified and Organic Soybeans Purchased from Taiwan Market

Soybean is an excellent source of plant-derived protein, and soy products are one of the important protein sources for vegetarians in Taiwan. Soybean production in Taiwan is not self-sufficient. Taiwan imports 2.5 million tons of soybeans annually. More than 90% of the imported soybeans are genetically modified. To provide an objective assessment on safety of genetically modified soybean and for post-market monitoring, we conducted a comparative assessment on key component compositions between imported genetically modified and organic soybeans. All the soybean samples were purchased from the local market to simulate the status of Taiwanese consumers purchasing soybeans. The genetically modified soybean samples were herbicide-tolerant soybeans. The contents of the proximate, the amino acid composition, the fatty acid composition, vitamins, minerals, isoflavones, and anti-nutritional factors of soybean samples were analyzed. Most contents of the key components of the genetically modified soybean had no significant difference with those of the organic soybean in this study. However, the contents of cysteine and -linoleic acid were significantly lower in the genetically modified soybean samples, and the contents of crude fat, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin K1, and calcium were significantly higher in the genetically modified soybean samples. But they were all within the range of reference values. A total of 314 pesticide residues in each of the samples were analyzed. Only glyphosate residue was detected in the genetically modified soybean samples, but it is well below the threshold prescribed by the government. In summary, the imported genetically modified and organic soybeans purchased from Taiwan market were shown to be substantially equivalent in composition.

Case study of zero-tillage organic soybean production in Brazil

In the absence of the herbicide option, weed control is the major constraint to organic soybean production in southern Brazil and eastern Paraguay. A joint entrepreneurial initiative introduced innovative 6000-V electro-shock desiccation for pre-plant weed control in organic soybeans, under zero-tillage–conservation agriculture, complemented by already-proven inter-row cultivation and biological control methods for insects and diseases. To develop an efficient operating procedure, a field trial with the electro-shock treatment was carried out and showed 78.6% overall weed control 28 days after electro-shock treatment, and no significant difference between operating speeds of 3.42, 9.49 and 16.57 km h−1. Further research is required to improve equipment performance and prove the medium- and long-term economic and social benefits to policy-makers, in order to justify environmental services payments for this environmentally friendly system.

Weed suppression and soybean yield in a no-till cover-crop mulched system as influenced by six rye cultivars

AbstractCover crop mulches have been successful in reducing weed severity in organic soybeans. This study examined six rye cultivars (SRCs) used as cover crops to determine which were most adapted for use with a roller–crimper in the southeastern U.S. To be an effective mulch, a rye cultivar must produce high biomass and reach reproductive growth stage to facilitate mechanical termination via the roller–crimper prior to soybean planting. Rye cultivars were planted at three locations in North Carolina over the 2009 and 2010 growing seasons. Each rye cultivar was mechanically terminated via a roller–crimper implement. Rye cover crops were terminated on two dates and soybeans were immediately no-till planted into the mulch. In 2009, all rye cultivars produced greater than 9000 kg ha−1 rye biomass dry matter (DM) with the exception of Rymin at Plymouth (2009), but in 2010 only the early flowering cultivars produced in excess of 9000 kg ha−1 DM. There were no detectable soybean yield differences between the SRCs and the weed-free checks, and weed control was excellent across all SRCs at both Plymouth and Salisbury (2009). After an unseasonably cold and wet winter in 2010, the late flowering rye cultivars were not fully controlled by the early termination date due to delayed maturation (less than 65% control at 2 WAP) whereas the early flowering cultivars were fully controlled (100% control at 2 WAP). Rye biomass production was below 9000 kg ha−1 DM for the late flowering and dough development rye cultivars. The early-terminated rye plots had greater weed coverage across all SRCs than those from the late termination date (P &lt; 0.01). However, weeds did not impact soybean yield for either of the termination dates. Soybean yield in 2010 was modeled with rye biomass and soybean population used as covariates, and for both termination dates, soybean yield was proportional to rye biomass production. Early flowering rye cultivars offer producers the widest range of termination opportunities that best coincide with their cash crop planting dates.

Cultural Strategies for Managing Weeds and Soil Moisture in Cover Crop Based No-Till Soybean Production

A four site-year study was conducted in North Carolina to evaluate the effects of soybean planting timing and row spacing on soil moisture, weed density, soybean lodging, and yield in a cover crop-based no-till organic soybean production system. Soybean planting timing included roll-kill/planting and roll-kill/delayed planting where soybean planting occurred either on the same day or approximately 2 wk later, respectively. Soybean row spacing included 19, 38, and 76 cm, and all treatments included a weedy check and weed-free treatment. Rye biomass production averaged above 10,000 kg ha−1dry matter, which resulted in good weed control across all sites. Despite having good weed control throughout all treatments, weed coverage was highest in the 76-cm row-space treatment when compared to both the 19-cm and 38-cm row spacing in two of the four site-years. Soybean lodging is a potential consequence of no-till planting of soybeans in high residue mulches, and of the three row spacings, the 19-cm spacing exhibited the greatest incidence of lodging. Row spacing also influenced soybean yield; the 19- and 38-cm row spacing out yielded the 76-cm spacing by 10%. Soil volumetric water content (VWC) was higher in the cereal rye mulch treatments compared to the no rye checks. Furthermore, delaying soybean planting lowered soil water evaporation. However, the increased soil VWC in the rolled-rye treatment did not translate into increased soybean yield. The rolled-rye treatment exhibited significant (P &lt; 0.01) increases in soil VWC when compared to the no-rye treatment at three of the four site-years. These results highlight planting date flexibility and potential risk to lodging that producers face when no-till planting organic soybeans.

Life cycle fitness differences inDaphnia magnafed Roundup-Ready soybean or conventional soybean or organic soybean

A lifelong feeding study with soybean from different production systems was carried out in the crustacean Daphnia magna (water flea), an acknowledged model organism for ecotoxicological studies. Experimental diets were prepared with soybean meal from different agriculture production systems: (i) genetically modified Roundup-Ready soy (Glyphosate-Tolerant), (ii) conventional soy and (iii) soy from organic agriculture (agriculture with neither synthetic pesticides nor synthetic fertilizers). Overall, feed produced from organic soybeans resulted in the highest fitness (higher survival, better growth and fecundity) in the model organism. Animals fed Roundup-Ready soybean consistently performed less well compared to animals fed either conventional or organic soybeans. We conclude that accumulation of herbicide residues in Roundup-Ready soy and related nutritional differences between the soy types may have caused the observed fitness differences. The results accentuate the need for further research clarifying qualitative aspects, including potential large-scale consequences for food and feed quality, of this dominant crop.

Compositional differences in soybeans on the market: Glyphosate accumulates in Roundup Ready GM soybeans

This article describes the nutrient and elemental composition, including residues of herbicides and pesticides, of 31 soybean batches from Iowa, USA. The soy samples were grouped into three different categories: (i) genetically modified, glyphosate-tolerant soy (GM-soy); (ii) unmodified soy cultivated using a conventional “chemical” cultivation regime; and (iii) unmodified soy cultivated using an organic cultivation regime. Organic soybeans showed the healthiest nutritional profile with more sugars, such as glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose, significantly more total protein, zinc and less fibre than both conventional and GM-soy. Organic soybeans also contained less total saturated fat and total omega-6 fatty acids than both conventional and GM-soy. GM-soy contained high residues of glyphosate and AMPA (mean 3.3 and 5.7mg/kg, respectively). Conventional and organic soybean batches contained none of these agrochemicals. Using 35 different nutritional and elemental variables to characterise each soy sample, we were able to discriminate GM, conventional and organic soybeans without exception, demonstrating “substantial non-equivalence” in compositional characteristics for ‘ready-to-market’ soybeans.

The development of soy sauce from organic soy bean

Soy sauce by a high salt liquid-state fermentation process was prepared using the organic soy beans as raw material. Beidahuang organic soy bean was selected among different raw materials. Here, the best technique was determined. Firstly, the organic soy beans were soaked for 7 hours under 121℃, steamed for 15 min and mixed with the fried wheat (5:5, w/w). After inoculated with Aspergillus oryzae 3.042 (0.3%, w/w) and cultured for 36 hours, the koji was obtained. When the brine (2:1, w/w) was added, fermentation started. At the end of the fermentation, isoflavone content of organic soy sauce was 0.22 mg· g-1 higher than those in the non- organic soy beans. In addition, compared to the control there were a higher unsaturated fatty acids content, the linoleic acid content in crude fat of 51.61% and γ-linolenic acid content in crude fat of 0.55%.

Protein, isoflavones, trypsin inhibitory and in vitro antioxidant capacities: Comparison among conventionally and organically grown soybeans

The objectives of this work were to compare the conventional and organic crops of BRS258 soybeans obtained concurrently by the Agricultural Center of Palma (RS, Brazil) in relation to protein, total phenolics, isoflavone contents, in vitro antioxidant capacity, and trypsin inhibitory activity. The results showed that organic soybeans had a higher protein content and lower trypsin inhibitory activity than soybean cultivated by the conventional system. Levels of isoflavones and phenolic compounds from organic soybeans were also significantly lower. Isoflavone distribution was also different: the highest percentage of glycitein (glycitein plus glycitein derivatives) was found in organic soybeans and the highest percentage of daidzein (daidzein plus daidzein derivatives) in conventionally grown soybeans. Conventional soybeans presented a higher DPPH scavenging capacity but there was no difference in the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), compared to organic cultivation, despite the higher phenolics and isoflavone contents, compounds known for their antioxidant capacity.