Soybean Cultivation Research Articles

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Soybean Production in Heilongjiang Province, China

Heilongjiang Province, as the largest production and supply base for high-quality soybeans in China, plays a vital role in optimizing the layout of soybean production and promoting the revitalization of the soybean industry. Soybean yield is used as a key indicator of soybean production. This study integrated soybean yield data from agricultural reclamation systems and local authorities. A variety of statistical analysis methods, such as barycenter analysis, the Mann–Kendall test, the space–time cube, and grey relational analysis, were used to research the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of soybean production in Heilongjiang Province from 2011 to 2021. This paper revealed the spatiotemporal evolution mechanism and explored the reasons for the differences in the effects of influencing factors. The results were as follows. (1) During the period between 2011 and 2021, the center of gravity of county-level soybean yield in Heilongjiang Province moved towards the northwest over a distance of 16.82 km. The soybean yield in the province experienced a mutation in approximately 2018, from a downward trend to an upward trend. (2) The spatiotemporal hot spots of county-level soybean yield in Heilongjiang Province were concentrated along the line from Hailun to Aihui. The types of hot spots included consecutive hot spots, intensifying hot spots, sporadic hot spots, and new hot spots. (3) The spatiotemporal agglomeration patterns of county-level soybean yield in Heilongjiang Province included only high-high clusters, only low-low clusters, only high-low outliers and multiple types. (4) The temporal changes in soybean yield in various counties of Heilongjiang Province had obvious regional characteristics. (5) Socioeconomic factors had aftereffects on soybean planting decisions. (6) Sunlight hours, the price ratio of local soybeans to local maize, average temperature, the number of soybean patents, the price ratio of imported soybeans to local soybeans, soybean cultivation income, local soybean prices, and the number of newly established soybean enterprises were primary influencing factors. Precipitation and soybean import volume were secondary influencing factors. The income difference between maize and soybeans, crops-hitting disaster area, and maize yield were general influencing factors. This study aims to offer new pathways for alleviating the structural contradiction between soybean supply and demand and to provide a reference for the formulation of national soybean industry policies and food security strategies.

Response of Soybean to Nitrogen Levels and Weed Management on Growth, Yield and Economic Efficiency

A field experiment was conducted during 2021 at the farm of Afghanistan National Agricultural Science and Technology University (ANASTU) to find out the suitable Response of Soybean to Nitrogen Levels and Weed Management on growth, yield and economic efficiency, the experimental design was Split plot design with two factors replicated thrice, the experiment consist of three weed management methods (Un-weeded check, Pendimethalin + hand weeding and Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr) and four nitrogen levels (Control, 40 kg N/ha, 60 kg N/ha and 80 kg N/ha). The maximum growth, yield and economic efficiency was in treatment (Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr), Root dry weight (9.42/plant), Nodules/plant (25.5),Nodes/plant (25.57, 27.68), Internodes distance(36.88 mm), Pods/plant(41.1), Seeds/pod (2.5), 1000 seed weight (102.5 gr), Grain yield (2.20 ton/ha), Gross Returns (187.863 AFN/ha), Net Returns (134.308 AFN/ha) and Benefit: cost ratio (2.504) compared to Un-weeded check and Pendimethalin + hand weeding, Root dry weight (9.67g/plant), Nodules/plant (25.6), Nodes/plant (27.68), Internodes distance(37.99 mm), Pods/plant(45.3), Seeds/pod (2.5), 1000 seed weight (104.7gr), Grain yield (2.20 ton/ha), Gross Returns (187.922 AFN/ha), Net Returns (133.159 AFN/ha) compared to 60 kg N/ha, 40 kg N/ha and control. it can be concluded that the application of (Pendimethalin + Imazethapyr) along with 80 kg N/ha was found to be suitable for profitable cultivation of soybean with optimum quality under the agro-climatic conditions of Kandahar Afghanistan.

Viability of Nodule Bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicummon Soybean Seeds by Treatment With Fungicides During Extended Storage

Background. With the increase in soybean cultivation areas, inoculants are becoming increasingly sought after. They are not only compatible with the original preparations for seed treatment of soybean but also offer the possibility of applying them for several days or even months before sowing into the soil. Objective. The viability of new strains of nodule bacteria Bradyrhizobium japonicum (strain PC07 and strain B78) was investigated on the surface of soybean seeds treated with fungicides Fever and Maxim XL during the extended storage of inoculated seeds. Additionally, their ability for nitrogen fixation under symbiotic conditions was evaluated. Methods. Сultivation, serial dilution method, determination of bacterial titer of inoculants, quantification of colony forming units (CFU), gas chromatography. Results. In laboratory conditions, on the soybean seeds of Almaz and Vasylkivska varieties, the viability of the nodule bacteria B. japonicum PC07 and B78, which are more resistant to the active substances of these fungicides in pure culture, decreased. This reduction was dependent on the storage period, the fungicide used, and the strain of inoculant. One day after inoculation on the seeds without the use of fungicide, 68.6–75.4% CFU of the initial number was retained. Seeds treated with the fungicide Fever contained 36.5–38.3% CFU, and those treated with Maxim XL contained 26.2–27.0% CFU. The use of inoculants based on fungicide-resistant strains of B. japonicum PC07 and B78 also provided high cell viability – 2.41–2.8×106 (on the seeds without treatment), 1.40–1.70×106 (with Fever) and 0.8–1.17×106 (with Maxim XL) CFU/seed after 5 days of storage. The nitrogen-fixing activity of root nodules in soybean plants of Almaz and Vasylkivska varieties, whose seeds were treated with Fever, decreased on both varieties by 18.4–22.4% and 32.1–39.5%, respectively and for treatment with Maxim XL, the reduction was 24.5–33.7% and 47.7–75.2%, respectively, during the storage of seeds for 5 and 7 days before sowing, compared to control variants (seeds without fungicide treatment). Conclusions. The utilization of fungicide-resistant strains of B. japonicum PC07 and B78 for bacterization of soybean seeds treated with fungicides Fever and Maxim XL provides a high inoculation titer during 5 days of storage. Viability of microbial cells on seeds treated with fungicides significantly diminishes during storage for more than 7–14 days. Insufficient titer of CFU of B. japonicum strains PC07 and B78 on the seed surface after 14 days of storage can considerably impede the efficacy of biopreparations. Therefore, it is crucial to seek substances that can enhance the resistance of rhizobia on seeds to the adverse effects of fungicide seed treatment, ensuring a longer period of their viability.

Agro-Pastoral Expansion and Land Use/Land Cover Change Dynamics in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Large-scale land use/land cover changes have occurred in Mato Grosso State (hereafter MT), Brazil, following the introduction of extensive mechanized agriculture and pastoral activities since the 1980s. Author investigated what kind of agro-pastoral activities which are both cattle ranching and top five crops (soybean, sugarcane, corn, cotton and rice) that are closely related to land use change on lands experiencing conversion land use change (such as deforestation and the increase in deeply anthropogenically influenced areas) at each municipal district in MT. Then, this study identifies the volume of exports including contribution ratio by municipal districts where land use changed due to agro-pastoral activities. The patterns of vegetation change indicated that cattle ranching, corn, cotton, rice croplands in the northwest, and soybean and sugarcane fields in the central areas are the main contributors to deforestation. It is shown that land use change due to soybean or corn cultivation occurs mainly in the west and the southeast, respectively. Corn cultivation is associated with a greater increase in anthropogenically influenced areas than soybean cultivation. The municipal districts that export each agro-pastoral product with land use change are limited. Exports of soybeans, corn, and cotton in the municipal districts associated with deforestation had increased dramatically after experienced land use change. For example, Sapezal, which has experienced deforestation, was the only municipal district associated with export of corn to only Switzerland. Since 2007, the number of export partners has increased to 56 countries with the export volume increased 2300 times. These findings highlight the overall non-sustainability of environmental resource development activities in MT.

ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION DEPENDING ON SOIL TILLAGE SYSTEM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the economic efficiency of soybean cultivars at different soil tillage system (ploughing method, reduced tillage, strip tillage). The study was based on the results of a five-year (2016-2020) field study, conducted at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Kępa Puławy (farm in Osiny), belonging to the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy. In the scheme of trial two cultivars of soybean: Aldana (000 – early) and Merlin (00-mid-early) were used. The strip-till system brought the highest value of harvested soybean seeds of Merlin cultivar – 6,262 PLN/ha (mean in 2016-2020). The high value was also obtained under full ploughing system (6,251 PLN/ha). The highest profitability of soybean cultivation determined based relation production value of seeds to direct cost was obtained under strip-tillage system (mean for two cultivars – 1.68). In direct cost structure the highest percentage had seeds material cost. The gross margin was determined as an indicator of economic efficiency. The economic effectiveness of cultivation of two soybean cultivars was evaluated from the perspective of utilizing the basic factors of production – land. Analysis showed that the highest level of gross margin determined on based the difference of production seeds value, direct cost and indirect cost was obtained in soybean cultivation under strip-tillage system. The profitability index was also determined as the relation of production value of soybean seeds to direct costs. The level of the gross margin was more impacted by the level of the obtained yield and the cost of agrotechnical treatments than by the level of other direct costs.

Impact of Long-term Use of Fertilizers and Manure on Distribution of Soil-inorganic Phosphorus Fractions in a Vertisol

The field experiment was conducted during the kharif season under the AICRP on Long-Term Fertilizer Experiment at the Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.), India. The investigation was carried out to assess the distribution of P fractions in Vertisol after the harvesting of the soybean crop. Eight treatments were imposed with four replications in a simple randomized block design. The treatments were applied in combination with different doses of fertilizer viz., T1 (50% NPK), T2 (100% NPK), T3 (150% NPK), T4 (100% N), T5 (100% NP), T6 (100% NPK+FYM), T7 (100% NPK-S), and T8 (control). Through the findings, the soil pH and electrical conductivity (dS m-1) did not show significant changes even after the long-term application of various fertilizer levels compared to their initial values. The treatment with 100% NPK + FYM exhibited the highest organic carbon (g kg-1) content and available N, P, and K (kg ha-1) content over the control. The various forms of phosphorus in the soil were observed in the following order: Ca-P > Fe-P > Al-P > Occluded-P > Saloid-P . The Ca-P content was highest when 100% NPK fertilizer and farmyard manure (FYM) were used together. The analysis showed that the presence of saloid-P significantly influences the availability of phosphorus in Vertisol soil. Based on the current investigation, it is recommended to use integrated nutrient management, which includes both 100% NPK fertilizer and FYM, to prevent phosphorus deficiency in soybean cultivation in Vertisol.

A Comprehensive Review on Multi-Class Recognition of Soybean Leaf Diseases

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art methodologies in the multi-class recognition of soybean leaf diseases, addressing the challenges faced by soybean cultivation globally. Focusing on diseases like rust, bacterial blight, anthracnose, and powdery mildew, the review encompasses traditional image processing techniques as well as modern advancements in deep learning, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Topics covered include dataset compilation, preprocessing, feature extraction, and the application of various machine learning algorithms. Special emphasis is placed on exploring the potential of transfer learning, domain adaptation, and the integration of spectral imaging and remote sensing technologies for enhanced disease detection. By providing a thorough comparative analysis, this review aims to guide future research efforts, aiding researchers, agronomists, and practitioners in developing robust and scalable solutions to combat soybean leaf diseases and improve global agricultural productivity.

BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN FIXATION AS A WAY OF INCREASE YIELD OF SOY

The article highlights the importance of soybeans as one of the main agricultural crops for the life support of society with food. It is well known that soybeans have been the main high-margin crop for many global farmers, including Ukraine, in recent years. The interest in this crop continues to grow as new opportunities for its sale abroad open up, especially in such a giant country as China, the world's largest soybean importer. The right variety accounts for more than 50% of production success. It is important to identify and create optimal conditions for realising the potential nitrogen-fixing activity of soybeans of each variety in specific soil and climatic conditions. Scientists have pointed out that the main reasons that significantly limit symbiotic fixation in our conditions are relatively drier soybean cultivation conditions, especially in the face of abrupt climate change. However, it is also noted that the starting rates of nitrogen fertilisers + symbiotically fixed nitrogen can only offset part of the soybean plants' need for a yield of 4.0 t/ha. The air contains about 76% of nitrogen in the form of N2 gas, which is not available for plant nutrition. However, thanks to the unique ability of legumes to form symbiotic relationships with bacteria of the Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium genera, N2 gas is converted into an ammonium form of nitrogen suitable for plant use. This interaction takes place in the nodules, which contain the respective bacteria. According to established data, up to 70% of the total nitrogen consumption of soybeans is obtained through biological fixation of nitrogen from the air through symbiosis with nodule bacteria. Based on the analysis of scientific publications on the symbiotic productivity of soybean crops in Ukraine and the world, the indicators of biological fixation by soybean crops in the context of the main soybean producing countries are presented and the importance of soybean cultivation in Ukraine is proved. It is confirmed that soybeans are an important strategic crop in Ukraine, which contributes to the stabilisation of agriculture, increase of soil fertility and nitrogen reserves, eliminates protein deficiency and helps to solve the food problem. The increase in gross soybean harvest is not only due to the expansion of sown areas, but also due to higher yields. To increase the efficiency of soybean production, it is proposed to introduce a set of innovative solutions at different stages of production, as well as to use new, productive varieties. In many publications, the authors emphasise that 30-35% of success in soybean cultivation depends on the right choice of variety and optimally selected technological methods of growing this crop.

Mancozeb associated with water deficit: Physiological and biochemical responses of soybean plants

Can oxidative stress from xenobiotics be intensified under water deficit conditions? Based on the hypothesis that the exposure to a xenobiotic aggravates the oxidative damages induced by water deficit, soybean plants were cultivated in pots eqquipped with soil water potential sensors to continuously monitor soil moisture levels. The experiment was conducted in 2020, in a protected environment, using a randomized block design with three replications. To comprehensively evaluate physiological and biochemical responses of plants, we conducted a range of analyses, including measurements of stomatal conductance, leaf temperature, chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content, membrane damage, electrical conductivity, lipid peroxidation, concentration of reactive oxygen species – hydrogen peroxide and superoxide, activity of antioxidative enzymes – ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, non-enzymatic compounds – non protein thiols, nitric oxide and proline. Plants that received the application of the fungicide mancozeb showed 1 °C higher temperature compared to the control plants. Irrigated soybean plants had higher nitric oxide content when treated with mancozeb, but under water deficit the higher content was observed in control plants. No deleterious effects of mancozeb as a xenobiotic were observed when applied at the recommended dose for soybean cultivation, even under water deficit conditions. The plants exhibited deleterious effects caused by water deficit, particularly in relation to oxidative stress induced by water shortage. The combination of two stresses (water deficit and xenobiotics) did not result in the maximization of negative effects caused by water stress. By refuting the working hypothesis, it becomes evident that the application of mancozeb to plants under water deficit conditions did not exacerbate the damage induced by this stress. Responses to this combination are contingent upon various factors, including the stress duration, its severity, the plant species involved, and, in the case of xenobiotics, their inherent properties and mode of action within the plant.

Dataset: Forty soybean cultivars from subsequent harvests

Soybean cultivation is one of the most important because it is used in several segments of the food industry. The evaluation of soybean cultivars subject to different planting and harvesting characteristics is an ongoing field of research. In this paper, we present a dataset obtained from forty soybean cultivars planted in subsequent seasons. The experiment used randomized blocks, arranged in a split-plot scheme, with four replications. The following variables were collected: plant height, insertion of the first pod, number of stems, number of legumes per plant, number of grains per pod, thousand seed weight, and grain yield, resulting in 320 data samples. The dataset presented can be used by researchers from different fields of activity.

Soybean (Glycine max) Cropland Suitability Analysis in Subtropical Desert Climate through GIS-Based Multicriteria Analysis and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imaging

Soybean (Glycine max) is a protein-rich oilseed crop that is extensively used for cooking oil and poultry feed and faces significant challenges due to adverse global climatic conditions aggravated by the ongoing climate crisis. In response to this critical issue, this study was initiated to assess suitable zones for soybean cultivation, aiming to facilitate informed land use decisions within the semi-arid terrestrial ecosystem. Through the utilization of geostatistical interpolation, data layers encompassing soil, irrigation water, land use and land cover, topographic features, and climate information were generated and overlaid based on criterion weightage derived from the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The accuracy of land use and land cover was rigorously evaluated, yielding a 70% overall accuracy and a Kappa (K) value of 0.61, signifying an acceptable level of precision. Validation through the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for soybean crop suitability demonstrated a highly satisfactory area under the curve of 0.738. The study estimates that out of 172,618.66 hectares, approximately 47.46% of the land is highly suitable (S1) for soybean production, followed by 21.36% moderately suitable (S2), 11.91% marginally suitable (S3), 7.00% currently not suitable (N1), and 12.28% permanently not suitable (N2). Conclusively, the findings suggest that the study area exhibits conducive climatic conditions, optimal soil health, and access to quality irrigation water, all of which have the potential to support soybean crops with improved agronomic practices. This investigation offers valuable insights to both farmers and policymakers concerning irrigation water quality, agricultural productivity, and soil degradation.

Agronomic performance, seed chemical composition, and bioactive components of selected Indonesian soybean genotypes (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)

Abstract The use of improved soybean varieties is crucial when it comes to the progress of soybean cultivation in Indonesia. This study presents the agronomic performance, seed chemical composition, and bioactive components of 12 soybean genotypes grown in Malang, Indonesia. Parameters included the agronomic characteristics, ash, protein, fat, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), genistein and daidzein contents as well as antioxidant activity. The study found that Dena 1, Dering 1, and Deja 1 had the highest seed yield (2.76–2.84 t/ha), while Dega 1 had the largest seed size (24.69 g/100 seeds). The black-seeded genotype of Detam 1 had the highest protein content (39.79% dw), while GH 63 had the largest amount of total daidzein and genistein. Detam 4 (a black-seeded genotype) exhibited the highest values of TFC, TPC, and antioxidant activity. The agronomic characteristics and TPC significantly correlated, suggesting that both traits are applicable as criteria for soybean breeding selection. Detam 4 and GH 63 are likely promising to be used as gene sources for improving the nutritional and health benefits of soybean genotypes. GH 63 and GH 73 also have the potential for further release as new high-yielding varieties with early maturity and large seed size. Overall, the study provides valuable information on the agronomic superiority and nutritional aspects of improved soybean varieties in Indonesia.

Crop-Livestock Integration Improves Physical Soil, Agronomic and Environmental Aspects in Soybean Cultivation.

Soybean is one of the most widely grown crops in the world and technologies are increasingly needed to increase productivity without impacting environmental degradation. In this context, the aim was to evaluate the action of forage plants of the genus Brachiaria sp. in crop-livestock integration on physical soil, agronomic and environmental aspects of soybean cultivation. The experiment was conducted in a subdivided plot design with seven integrated systems corresponding to the previous cultivation of Paiaguas palisadegrass, Xaraes palisadegrass and Ruziziensis grass in monocropping and intercropped with maize, as well as maize in monocropping. In the subplots, two grass management systems were evaluated: free growth and a grazing simulation cut. The bulk density and least limiting water range were assessed using soil samples and, after the pastures were desiccated when the soybean crop was planted, straw decomposition and plantability. A soil physics diagnosis by the bulk density and least limiting water range showed that the Paiaguas palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass improved the soil environment due to biological soil loosening. The remaining mulch biomass did not affect soybean sowing and the adoption of Brachiaria sp. grass in the off-season, in addition to contributing to the provision of environmental services, and did not compromise grain productivity in succession.

Impact of a large-scale replacement of maize by soybean on water deficit in Europe

The EU imports large quantities of soybeans, mainly for livestock feed. However, there is a trend to increase domestic soybean production and reduce imports. In this study, we investigate the potential impact of an increased EU soybean cultivation on evapotranspiration (ET), water deficit, and irrigation needs. We focus on the consequences of replacing maize with soybeans, as both crops have similar cropping periods and high water demands. We implement a simple, well established crop water model that estimates crop water deficit (ETd) as the difference between simulated potential (ETc) and actual (ETa) ET. We apply this model over the EU from 2001 to 2020, using data on daily reference ET and precipitation, soil hydrological properties and three different crop calendars. Results indicate that a maize-to-soybean conversion would result in an average ETd increase of 49.0 ± 22.1 mm season−1 across the EU. In the four countries of France, Italy, Hungary and Romania, where most of the additional soybean production would be allocated, crop water deficits would increase on average by 21–34 % compared to that of maize, following an increased ETc and/or decreased ETa. However, the decrease in ETa is largely due to an assumed shorter root depth for soybean, while recent empirical results suggest that both crops may actually have comparable root depths. Using the same root depth for maize and soybean, the simulated average increase in ETd amounts to only 28.2 ± 18.3 mm season−1. Our results are sensitive to the choice of crop calendar, with reduced ETd for later sowing dates.

Application Of Titonia diversifolia As A Biopesticide In Soybean Cultivation In Meureubo District, West Aceh

Application Of Titonia diversifolia As A Biopesticide In Soybean Cultivation In Meureubo District, West Aceh

Comparative studies of knapsack, boom, and drone sprayers for weed management in soybean (Glycine max L.)

The study titled, "Comparative Evaluation of Knapsack, Boom, and Drone Sprayers for Weed Management in Soybean (Glycine max L.)" was carried out during the Kharif season 2021-22 at an experimental farm affiliated with the Department of Agronomy, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The primary objective was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of various sprayers in controlling weeds in soybeans and their work efficiency. The Randomized Block Design (RBD) included ten treatments of pre-emergence (PE) and post-emergence (POE) herbicides applied by knapsack, boom, and drone sprayers. Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 750 g a.i ha−1 was used for pre-emergence herbicide application, and Imazamox 35% EC + Imazethapyr 35% WG @ 70 g a.i ha−1 were used for post-emergence. These treatments were tested on soybean Monocot and Dicot weed count, weed dry weight, weed index, and weed control efficiency. The sprayers were compared for time, water, labor, herbicide, and overall work efficiency. A knapsack sprayer showed the best results for pre- and post-emergence herbicide application, with the lowest weed count, dry weight, control efficiency, and weed index. Boom and drone sprayers followed in effectiveness. Herbicide application was faster with the drone sprayer than with hand weeding, cultural practices, boom sprayer, and knapsack sprayer. Compared to knapsack and boom sprayers, the drone sprayer used less water and labour. Drone sprayers work most efficiently, followed by boom and knapsack sprayers. This study focuses on the prevalence of herbicides and their impact on non-target ecosystems. It aims to develop mitigation strategies by optimizing spraying efficiency and reducing herbicide usage during pre and post emergence. The dissemination of efficient weed management practices that reduce environmental impacts and increase the efficiency of soybean cultivation is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 15: life on land.

The Use of Biodegradable Film in the Cultivation of Soybean with a Short Growing Season as an Example of Agro-Innovation in a Sustainable Agriculture System

The aim of the study was to assess the yield of three soybean varieties of different earliness classes (Merlin, Coraline, and Viola) grown using two sowing dates (early vs. optimal) and different technologies (soil protected with biodegradable film vs. without soil protection–conventional cultivation). A three-year (2019–2021) field experiment was conducted at the Bayer Technical Advisory Center in Chechło, Poland (50°23′ N 18°44′ E). The three-factor experiment was set up in a randomized split-plot design in three replicates. The experimental factors were (i) sowing date, (ii) cultivar, and (ii) cultivation technology. The effect of agrotechnical factors and their interaction with the weather on selected biometric traits and seed yield was assessed. The results indicated that the weather conditions and its interaction with agrotechnical factors significantly influenced the biometric traits and seed yield of soybean. Optimal hydrothermal conditions significantly increased analyzed parameters and seed yield. However, too much rainfall in August had negative effects on biometric traits. It was proved that, early sowing adversely affected soybean yield. Sowing at the optimal date, i.e., the end of April, resulted in a yield of 3.8 t ha−1. The use of biodegradable film in the year with more rainfall increased soybean yield by 1 t ha−1 compared to the year with less rainfall. The early ‘Merlin’ cultivar grown in the system with biodegradable film produced significantly more pods and seeds per plant and a higher pod weight per plant. The cultivars with a longer growing season (‘Viola’ and ‘Coraline’) responded negatively to cultivation in the modern technology. The use of biodegradable film is recommended for cultivars with a short growing season, sown at the optimal time and in regions with moderate to high rainfall totals during the growing season.

Nutritional Value of Soybean under Outdoor Hydroponics and Soil Conditions of the Ararat Valley

Background: Population growth increases the demand for food all over the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, by 2050 the world population will reach 9.1 billion people, for whom food production is expected to increase by 25-70 %. That will lead to an increase in the demand for alternative farming technologies allowing us to ensure higher yields in less time. One such alternative and highly profitable plant growing technology is soilless culture or hydroponics. Climate change, improved technological capabilities, and need to increase self-sufficiency are good reasons for the introduction of soybean in Armenia.Soy, as one of the richest and cheapest sources of protein, plays an important role in the diet of people in many countries. The seed of soybeans contains 17 % oil and about 50 % protein. Because soybeans contain no starch, they are a good source of protein for diabetics.Objective: To establish the possibility and efficiency of soybean cultivation in Ararat Valley by traditional agricultural method and by the regulated hydroponic system and to investigate the nutritional value of soybean seeds.Results: The cultivation method had some influence on soybean yield and on the biosynthesis of several nutritional components. Thus, soilless culture conditions contributed to the increase in soybean yield: the weight of seeds obtained from one plant was 38.7 g while in the soil it was only 19.9 g. Soil plants were distinguished by the maximum accumulation of fat (28.9 %), while hydroponic ones by the maximum content of protein (31.5 %) and sugar (6.3 %).Conclusion: The obtained results established the effectiveness of soybean cultivation in Armenia. The regulated hydroponic method ensures obtaining about 11.6 tons ha-1 of soybean seeds, 3.7 tons ha-1 of protein and 2.6 tons ha-1 of fat. The work was supported by the Science Committee of the Republic of Armenia, in the frames of the research project N 21T-4B167.Keywords: Glycine max (L.) Merr., soilless culture, proteins, fats, sugars

The fungicides effectiveness in soybean cultivation under irrigation in the conditions of the Central Caucasus

Studies conducted in 2018-2020 allowed us to determine the best protection system and biological effectiveness of fungicides when growing soybeans under irrigation in the conditions of the Central Caucasus. Soybeans were grown on ordinary chernozem after winter wheat on the basis of LLC "Agrosakhar" (Izobilnensky district, Stavropol Territory). Irrigation was carried out by sprinkling. Phytoexpertize of soybean seeds before sowing revealed the presence of infection represented by fungi from the genera: Alternaria, Ascochyta, Fusarium, Peronospora, Sclerotinia, Septoria, and bacteria from the genera: Xanthomonas, Pseudomonas. Fungicides were used for seed etching: Maxim, KS; Delit Pro, KS; TMTD, VSK; Protect,KS. During the budding phase, the crops were treated with fungicides Optimo, CS and Acanto Plus, CS. The maximum effectiveness in the fight against fusarium was established when seeds were treated with the fungicide Delit Pro, CS (0.5 l /t) – the prevalence of fusarium decreased by 82.0, and the development of the disease by 70.4%. The fungicide Acanto Plus, CS (0.6 l/ha) was more effective compared to the standard by an average of 5.7–12.4%. Combined application of seed pickling Divides Pro, CS (0.5 l /t), and the treatment of crops in the budding phase with the fungicide Acanto Plus, CS (0.6 l /ha) was characterized by the greatest effect: the number of plants affected by peronosporosis decreased by 84.3% and the development of the disease decreased by 81.2%. The greatest biological effect in the fight against soybean bacteriosis was after seed etching with TMTD, VSK (6 l/t) and treatment of vegetative plants with Acanto Plus fungicide, CS (0.6 l/ha), the prevalence of bacteriosis decreased by 69.4%, and development - by 39.8%. In this variant, the highest yield of soybean seeds was obtained at 3.36 t/ha, which is more than the control variant by 0.64 t/ha and more than the standard by 0.11 t/ha. The profitability of growing soybean seeds using the studied protection systems, depending on the fungicides used, varied from 89.7 (Protect, CS (2.0 l/t); Optimo, CS (0.5 l/ha)) up to 103.4% (TMTD, VSK (6.0 l/t); Acanto Plus, CS (0.6 l/ha)).

Fitness and Hard Seededness of F2 and F3 Descendants of Hybridization between Herbicide-Resistant Glycine max and G. soja.

The commercial cultivation of herbicide-resistant (HR) transgenic soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) raises great concern that transgenes may introgress into wild soybeans (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) via pollen-mediated gene flow, which could increase the ecological risks of transgenic weed populations and threaten the genetic diversity of wild soybean. To assess the fitness of hybrids derived from transgenic HR soybean and wild soybean, the F2 and F3 descendants of crosses of the HR soybean line T14R1251-70 and two wild soybeans (LNTL and JLBC, which were collected from LiaoNing TieLing and JiLin BaiCheng, respectively), were planted along with their parents in wasteland or farmland soil, with or without weed competition. The fitness of F2 and F3 was significantly increased compared to the wild soybeans under all test conditions, and they also showed a greater competitive ability against weeds. Seeds produced by F2 and F3 were superficially similar to wild soybeans in having a hard seed coat; however, closer morphological examination revealed that the hard-seededness was lower due to the seed coat structure, specifically the presence of thicker hourglass cells in seed coat layers and lower Ca content in palisade epidermis. Hybrid descendants containing the cp4-epsps HR allele were able to complete their life cycle and produce a large number of seeds in the test conditions, which suggests that they would be able to survive in the soil beyond a single growing season, germinate, and grow under suitable conditions. Our findings indicate that the hybrid descendants of HR soybean and wild soybean may pose potential ecological risks in regions of soybean cultivation where wild soybean occurs.