R&D on soybeans reaps promising results

MANILA, Philippines — Taking off from a fruitful first year of implementation, projects on soybean continue to reap promising results.

On-farm field trials of projects in Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur under the soybean R&D program were evaluated based on their recent research findings. 

These field trials were monitored by the crops research division  of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) together with the Institute of Planting Breeding – University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB-UPLB) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Regional Field Office (RFO) 10 and 13. 

The program is part of the industry strategic S&T program (ISP) for soybean. It aims to increase farmers’ income by integrating soybean in different cropping systems, enhance the sustainability of the informal soybean seed sector, and develop soybean varieties with enhanced functional properties.

The team assessed the different on-farm trials in Region 10, specifically in Simulao and Libona, Bukidnon. The top performing soybean varieties in each experimental site were recorded based on set parameters. 

According to Jemseal Napier of DA-NMACLRC, a soybean accession from the World Vegetable Center, said SP 963-9 performed best in Libona while ‘Manchuria’ topped the four trials in Sumilao.

AGS 374, a soybean accession from Tiwala 8 x LXI8A selection, ranked second in all on-farm trials while Tiwala 6 ranked third.

In terms of pests and diseases, AGS 374 remained resistant to aphids and powdery mildew compared with SP series in on-farm trials in Sumilao.

Further research and evaluation of the said varieties aim to determine the soybean lines with desired traits and suitable to different growing areas.

Meanwhile, Tijani Auxtero of the DA-RFO 13 Research and Experiment Station reported the progress and accomplishments of the project in Caraga.

The fourth cropping cycle for corn-based and rice-based cropping systems have started and harvesting is expected this month.

Soybean plants, on the other hand, are already on their third harvesting. 

Results of the initial soil sampling and characterization in both corn and rice areas will determine the effect of soybean on soil health after a series of trials when integrated in the cropping system. 

Evaluation of soybean lines was done on-station and on-farm.

Initial findings show that the top five soybean varieties are SP 963-5, SP 963-7, SP 963-1, SP 963-6, and SP 963-2. All of these varieties exhibited good crop stand and high number of pods.

Furthermore, a meeting with farmer-cooperators was held to gather information on farmers’ practices specifically on harvesting, drying, packaging, and storage of soybean seeds.