By Scout Nelson
This year has posed significant challenges for soybean producers in North Dakota due to cool and wet conditions, leading to prolonged symptoms of iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybean fields. Ana Carcedo, a broadleaf crops agronomist at North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension, emphasizes the importance of addressing IDC to maintain healthy crops.
NDSU conducts annual research to evaluate soybean varieties for their tolerance to IDC. This information is vital for farmers who encounter IDC in their fields regularly. Carcedo advises that selecting soybean varieties less susceptible to IDC is a crucial first step in managing this issue effectively.
Carrie Miranda, an NDSU soybean breeder, explains, “Soybean varieties exhibit genetic differences in their tolerance to IDC symptoms. Producers can use the NDSU data to choose an appropriate IDC-tolerant soybean variety for fields known to have IDC issues in the 2025 season.”
Making informed decisions about soybean variety selection can help minimize the negative impacts of chlorosis on yield.
In the summer of 2024, NDSU's soybean breeding program evaluated a total of 191 soybean varieties, including 170 Enlist, GT27, Roundup Ready, and Xtend varieties, as well as 21 conventional types for their tolerance to IDC.
Symptoms of IDC typically manifest as yellowing of plant leaves with green veins, yellowing, browning, and stunted growth during early growth stages, ultimately reducing soybean yields.
The test results from NDSU's evaluations are available online at https://vt.ag.ndsu.edu/list/soy. In addition to IDC tolerance, producers should consider yield potential and other traits when selecting soybean varieties.
Varieties with similar IDC tolerance can vary significantly in their yield potential, making it essential for farmers to evaluate all aspects of their chosen varieties.
Photo Credit:north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Education