Soybeans are the most important grain legume crop grown in the U.S. The estimated value of soybean is 10.6 billion dollars. There are over 60 million acres planted with an average production of 32.4 bushels per acre. Soybean seeds contain two primary products, oil and meal. Each soybean seed contains between 20 and 23% oil and from 39 to 45% meal. The oil is converted to margarine, shorting, mayonnaise, salad oils, and salad dressings. Most of the meal is used as a source of high protein animal feed for the production of eggs, poultry, and pork.

Our laboratory has research programs that are aimed at improving the efficiency of soybean production by:

1. The development of genetic maps -
    Dr. Perry Cregan
    Dr. Benjamin Matthews
2. Reducing flower drop -
    Dr. Mark Tucker
3. Enhancing biological nitrogen fixation -
    Dr. Peter van Berkum