Soybean Field Crop Variety Trials

Each year Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station scientists conduct performance tests of appropriately adapted public and private soybean entries. Companies are charged a fee for each entry they enter to partially cover the costs of conducting these tests. One of the stipulations of the testing program is that the company is marketing or intends to begin marketing the entry in the next growing season.

As ever, it is hard to generalize about the weather for the growing season across the whole state, but for the most part 2025 presented a favorable growing season. Early-season warm temperatures and minimal precipitation allowed most growers to plant their crops early or on time. This was followed by adequate rainfall throughout the state during the entire growing season besides a few slightly dry areas in late August and early September in far southern and northern parts of the state. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entire state was free from drought during the main growing season. These favorable weather conditions resulted in record average yields in Minnesota (51 bushels per acre) according to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service. 

The favorable weather conditions experienced in Minnesota were also reflected in the quality of our trials. Planting was completed on time at all locations, yields were generally high, and the quality of data was very good. The Crookston location experienced slight symptoms of iron deficiency chlorosis in July. We lost the Morris location due to a lack of weed control.

Tables 1 to 4 provide results from tests of available conventional, special purpose, and transgenic entries adapted to the far northern, northern, central, and southern production zones. The map shows test locations and zone boundaries. All trials were planted between May 2 and May 29. Planting rates are listed in the table below, which varied according to latitudinal zone.

Herbicides were used as necessary for good weed control. Row spacings were 24 inches at Crookston and 30 inches at all other locations. Plots consisted of four rows twelve feet in length. The two center rows were harvested for yield data collection. Each location included four replications arranged in a randomized complete block design. Plots were machine harvested using a small-plot combine.

Tables 5 to 10 provide characteristics and performance data from special-purpose soybean entry tests. These tests were conducted to provide reliable data for growers who are interested in producing special-purpose soybeans, which are typically grown under contract.

Ordinarily Table 11 displays results from greenhouse tests conducted by the Nematology Laboratory at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, MN. However, because funds were reduced in 2025, this test was not conducted this year.

To better understand and use the data provided in these tables, please carefully read the following additional information.

Seed Treatments and Transgenic Traits

Entrants were allowed to enter treated seed in 2025. The type of seed treatment, as provided by the originator, is designated as follows: CMA = CruiserMaxx APX; CMAS = CruiserMaxxAPX + Saltro; OPVRI = Obvius Plus, Poncho/Votiva, Relenya, ILEVO; SE = Soystar Elite ST

Research indicates that under some conditions seed treatments can affect the final yield. The exact situations are not always clear but when comparing entries note if a seed treatment was used on the seed being tested.   

In some tables the transgenic trait is indicated in a separate column using the following designations: CV = conventional variety (non-transgenic); E3 = Enlist E3 (glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D tolerant); XF = Xtendflex (dicamba, glyphosate and glufosinate tolerant).

Relative Maturity and Calendar Dates of Maturity

Soybeans are photoperiod sensitive; that is, they respond to changing day length. The actual calendar date of maturity achievement is affected by latitude. Each entry has a narrow range (about 100 miles) of north-south adaptation. Soybean yield and quality are best achieved when physiological maturity occurs before a hard frost. Maturity is determined visually by noting the calendar date when 95 percent of the pods show their genetically programmed mature color. The dates for 2025 are provided in the tables under the column heading “Maturity Date”. Harvest dates are typically 7 to 14 days later depending upon drying conditions. Almost all entries were essentially mature before a hard frost.  

Relative maturity ratings are also provided for each entry. These ratings consist of a number for the maturity group designations (000, 00, 0, 1, 2) followed by a decimal and another number, ranging from 0-9, which indicates a ranking within each maturity group. For example, the entry MN0101 indicates a 0.1, making it an early group 0, while MN0901, with a 0.9 rating, is the latest group 0. The values for public entries are developed after observing them for several years in many locations. Relative maturity ratings for private entries in these tables were provided by their originators and were developed in a similar manner.

Yield

Because maturity is a very important attribute, entries are ordered in the tables according to their actual 2025 calendar date of maturity for where maturity date data was available.  

Later maturing entries usually can be expected to have higher yields than earlier maturing types. If you wish to compare yields, do so only between entries with similar calendar dates of maturity, usually within 3 to 5 days. More reliable comparisons can be made using yields from several consecutive years. All yield determinations were made from replicated tests harvested with a plot combine. Multi-location data are necessary for determining true differences between varieties, and therefore only multi-location averages are reported in this report, but data for individual locations can be found at https://varietytrials.umn.edu/soybean.

The yield information is presented as a percentage of the mean of the test. The actual mean value is given at the bottom of each table. Values over 100 indicate the entry had a yield greater than the mean while those less than 100 have a yield less than the mean.

LSD values associated with data in these tables are measures of variability within the trials. The LSD numbers beneath the yield columns indicate whether the difference between yield values is due to genetics or other factors, such as environmental variation and measurement error. If yield differences between two entries equals or exceeds the LSD value, the higher-yielding entry probably was superior in yield. A difference less than the LSD value is probably due to environmental and/or measurement variation. The LSD values are given on the percent of mean data, not the actual yields. A 25% level of significance is used in all tables contained in this report. This means that there is a 25% probability that yield differences exceeding the stated LSD are not true yield differences.

Chlorosis

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) is a yield-limiting condition of soybeans grown in alkaline soils with high calcium carbonate or calcium sulfate ions present, making iron unavailable and causing soybean plants to turn yellow. This yellowing is visually scored on a 1 to 5 scale, where 1 indicates no yellowing and 5 indicates severe yellowing and necrosis that may even include death of the plant.  

Research has shown that for every unit increase in chlorosis, a 20% reduction in yield may occur. For example, a plot rated as a 3 may yield 20% less than a plot given a rating of 2. All IDC ratings in tables are from tests conducted on high lime (high pH) soils at two sites in 2025: one in Crookston and one north of Crookston. Scores were combined across sites using a statistical analysis.

Comparing chlorosis scores of entries allows one to estimate how well they perform relative to each other. Actual chlorosis ratings can vary depending on the specific site, year of test, and location in the field. Because of this high level of variability, it is usually very difficult to identify the best performing entries. Varieties should be compared for IDC ratings relative to one another within a single trial only and not across trials. Producers with a known history of IDC problems should at least avoid entries with the most severe IDC ratings. Different organizations may use different scales or descriptions. The below table provides some general rules for a trial with moderate stress able to produce ratings ranging from 1 to 5.

Protein and Oil

Protein and oil values were determined from mature seed using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The tabled values are for the 2025 season only. Protein and oil results are presented on a percent of the mean for each test. The actual mean values, expressed on a 13% moisture basis, are given at the bottom of each table. Values over 100 indicate the protein and/or oil contents of the entry are greater than the mean value while those less than 100 have protein and/or oil contents less than the mean. Absolute values of protein and oil can vary from year to year. 

Phytophthora

Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne disease that occurs in heavy wet soils. Infection generally occurs during germination. Phytophthora root rot can cause significant yield reductions if susceptible varieties are planted in poorly drained, infested fields. Variety selection is the best defense against this yield reducing pathogen. There are many known pathotypes (races) of this fungus, and therefore it is important to know which are present in a particular field.  Genes can be incorporated into varieties to provide resistance to races present in a field. Soybean varieties that have specific resistance genes (or gene) provide some level of protection, but race-specific resistance genes do not guarantee protection against infection and yield loss because so many different races exist. Research indicates that Rps3a and Rps6 provide the broadest protection to Phytophthora races currently present in soybean fields in the Midwest.

Some published information refers to Phytophthora "tolerance" or "field resistance", which is not race-specific and should not be confused with race-specific resistance. It is possible that a certain level of field tolerance can provide yield protection even when the race-specific genes are not effective. Reliable tests for tolerance have not yet been fully developed.

Tables included in this report indicate which race-specific Phytophthora gene or genes is/are present in each entry. This information was provided by the originator. A “S” indicates a variety is expected to be susceptible to all races.  A “--” indicates that a Phytophthora gene was not specified by the originator.

Soybean Cyst Nematode

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is a microscopic round worm that infects and reproduces in soybean roots. It was first identified in Minnesota in 1978 and is now known to occur in most Minnesota counties where soybeans are grown. Both the area of infestation and number of nematodes per unit of soil appear to be increasing. Several races of this pest are known to occur in Minnesota. When SCN numbers are high (> than 5,000 eggs/100 cc soil), significant yield losses can occur. Rotations to non-host crops and planting of resistant varieties can assist in reducing nematode populations as well as reducing the SCN’s impact on yield. 

The source for SCN resistance for each entry was provided by the originator. In Table 11 the resistance ratings were given based on a greenhouse bioassay with five replicates using an HG Type 7 (Race 6) SCN population. Each container (one plant) was inoculated with 4000 SCN eggs. After 30 days a female index (FI) was calculated for each entry using Lee 74 as the susceptible check. FI = (# of cysts on entry/# of cysts on Lee 74) x100. If the FI was < 10%, an entry was considered R. If the FI was 10 – 30%, it was considered MR. If the FI was 30-60%, it was considered MS, and greater than 60% S. These are fairly arbitrary cutoffs, and thus it is important to look at the actual FI values to judge the level of resistance. Comparison to varieties known to have a good level of resistance is also advisable.

For proper management of fields with SCN, it is recommended that entries with an R rating be planted. If the SCN population numbers are relatively low (<1500 eggs/100 cm3) an entry with an MR rating might be considered. Entries with S and MS ratings should not be considered for planting in fields where SCN is present at levels greater than 200 eggs/100 cm3. Some entries are rated as tolerant, however no data from the northern United States has verified the usefulness of tolerant entries in maintaining yield and reducing SCN numbers.

Management information is available from the website soybeans.umn.edu or from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, 1-507-388-1635, mnsoybean.org.

White Mold

White mold, also known as Sclerotinia stem rot, develops in infested fields when high relative humidity and moderate temperatures occur during soybean flowering. Planting less susceptible entries in wider row spacings or at lower populations is the most effective method of reducing the severity of white mold. Accurate ratings for resistance to white mold are difficult to obtain because both infection and disease development are dependent on weather conditions. Because of this variability, performance can change significantly among locations and years depending on the interaction of plant development, precipitation, relative humidity, and temperature. White mold severity also tends to be greater if lodging occurs. Growers concerned about performance in the presence of white mold should select varieties that show consistently less white mold during several years of testing.

Brown Stem Rot

Brown stem rot (BSR) is a fungal disease that can cause yield losses in certain situations. The disease occurs most frequently when soybeans follow soybeans but can occur where soybeans are planted every other year. Resistant entries, or longer rotations, assist in the management of this disease. Some information refers to "tolerance" or "field resistance." Reliable tests for tolerance or field resistance have not yet been developed.

Soybean Aphid

Soybean Aphid (SA) outbreaks can greatly reduce yields if foliar insecticide treatments are not applied in a timely manner. To prevent economic loss, producers should apply foliar insecticides when aphid densities reach 250 aphids per plant. Insecticide applications are not necessary below this threshold and producers should avoid treatments when not needed in order to prevent the loss of beneficial predator insects and to minimize chances for development of aphid populations resistant to commonly used insecticides. Varietal sources of resistance do exist and there are a limited number of commercial options available. Genetic resistance, however, can easily be overcome by different SA biotypes present on the landscape. Varieties with resistance “stacks” (for example Rag1+Rag2) can provide more durable resistance. Nevertheless, even single-gene forms of SA resistance can help reduce chances of infestation and resulting yield loss. Through the support of the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center (MITPPC) and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the University of Minnesota Soybean Breeding Project, in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Bob Koch, has developed several commercially available varieties with SA resistance. Examples include M15-105140 (Rag1+Rag2), Blue River 14Y4A (Rag1), and Blue River 19B4A (Rag2). Funding for MITPPC comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Special-Purpose Entries

There continues to be interest in producing soybeans with special characteristics important to specialty food product manufacturers, such as tofu, natto, miso, and soy milk. Soybean scientists previously developed some of these special-purpose entries, which were general releases, but more recently entries have been released under exclusive or nonexclusive licenses to specific companies who then contract with growers for production. For further information contact Minnesota Crop Improvement Association at web site mncia.org or telephone number 612-625-7766.

Test Plot Research

Michael Leiseth, Amber Cymbaluk, David Bundy, Gary Reid, Kara Anderson, Matt Bickell, Travis Vollmer, Mark Peterson, Donn Vellekson, Dave Grafstrom supervised test plot establishment and management. Special thanks are due to Chris Goblirsch of Riverton Research Inc. for planting, managing, and harvesting the Perley location. We appreciate our farm cooperators who provided access to on-farm land. The farm cooperators in 2025 were Garrett Novak (Thief River Falls), Rob Goblirsch (Sleepy Eye), and Eric Magnusson (Roseau).

• 2024
  • 2024 narrative
  • 2024 data tables

The following documents were created before current policy requirements took effect, and therefore may not be accessible. To request this content in an accessible format, contact [email protected].

• 2023 (.pdf)
• 2022 (.pdf)
• 2021 (.pdf)
• 2020 (.pdf)
• 2019 (.pdf)
• 2018 (.pdf)
• 2017 (.pdf)
• 2016 (.pdf)
• 2015 (.pdf)
• 2014 (.pdf)
• 2013 (.pdf)
• 2012 (.pdf)
• 2011 (.pdf)
• 2010 (.pdf)
• 2009 (.pdf)
• 2008 (.pdf)
• 2007 (.pdf)
• 2006 (.pdf)
• 2005 (.pdf)
• 2004 (.pdf)
• 2003 (.pdf)
• 2002 (.pdf)
• 2001 (.pdf)
• 2000 (.pdf)
• 1999 (.pdf)
• 1998 (.pdf)
• 1997 (.pdf)
• 1996 (.pdf)

For growers

• Verified non-88788 SCN resistant commercial varieties
• Soybean resources from UMN Extension
• Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MNCIA)

For seed companies

Soybean germplasm available for licensing:

• General purpose soybean
• Food-type soybean
• High oleic soybean

Variety trial participation:

• Submit soybean seed entries online
• 2025 soybean performance test letter
  • Only online entry forms are accepted.
  • Entry forms are due March 21.
  • Deadline for receipt of seed is April 13.