2005 Year in Review

Variety Information Program for Soybeans

VIPS or Variety Information Program for Soybeans is designed as a decision-making variety selection program for Illinois soybean producers. It is available in booklet form and on the Internet at VIP Soybeans The Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board, and University of Illinois Crop Sciences Department are partners in this effort.

Production, composition, and Disease-resistance data on more than 850 soybean varieties are included in the 2004 VIPS. Production data are provided by the University of Illinois Variety Trials. Disease data are provided by nematologists, pathologists, and plant breeders at the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University.

Soybean varieties in the VIPS program were entered by seed companies and Illinois producers were invited to nominate their favorite varieties. The trials were conducted at 13 Illinois sites (divided into five regions) representing major soil types and climate conditions. Both Roundup Ready and conventional varieties were planted in 30-inch rows.

Production data includes yield, protein and oil content, maturity date, lodging score, and height.

Disease data includes soybean cyst nematode resistance ratings, Phytophthora root rot resistance with specific gene resistance provided, and Sudden Death Syndrome resistance ratings based on both greenhouse screens and field trials. Also included are the results from green stem field trials and aphid greenhouse screens. Susceptibility to soybean rust, evaluated at the USDA Containment Unit at Fort Detrick, MD, is also provided.

Producers should consult the VIPS database before making soybean variety decisions for 2005. More information is available by calling the Illinois Soybean Checkoff (309-663-7692) or contacting your Extension office.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
January 10, 2005