2012 Recommendations. Each year the LSU AgCenter tests commercial soybean varieties that are entered in yield tests by private seed companies. This publication provides information about results of those tests at various locations across the state. For best results using this guide, refer to the tables for variety yield results and pick the location fitting your situation -- or if your farm does not fit any location, choose varieties that performed well at multiple locations. (PDF Format Only)

Since 2005, the Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board has provided monies for an AgCenter Communications project to develop a research report highlighting board-funded projects. This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry. This is the report for 2011.

This page contains the soybean performance trial research summaries.

This page contains the soybean performance trials research summaries for the year 2006.

An accounting of the value of agriculture in Louisiana. Agents and specialists of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, as well as other agencies - both private and public - compile this information. It focuses on the animal, forestry, fisheries, plant and wildlife commodities that comprise our vital agricultural industry. This industry continues to contribute significantly to the state's economy with the potential for increased impacts through value-added processing.

This page contains the soybean performance trials research summaries for the year 2008.

This guide for 2010 contains suggestions for management of the most important or more prevalent diseases of Louisiana plants. It includes information on fungicides, bactericides and nematicides, as well as safety precautions for using them.

This report contains data reflecting the performance of soybean varieties in Louisiana.

This 2011 guide includes helpful information on herbicides and weed control with detailed suggestions for aquatics, commercial nursery stock, field crops, forestry, fruit crops, home gardens, lawns and many other Louisiana crops. It includes information on different types of herbicide registrations, as well as information on herbicide labels and restricted uses. Also included are sprayer calibration techniques, suggestions for reducing herbicide drift and a guide to proper spray tip selection.

Cercospora ratings for Official Variety Trials for soybeans trials at Dean Lee Research Station in 2010 & 2011.

This posting contains information on the 2011 Soybean Trials.

This page contains the soybean performance trials research summaries for the year 2007.

PDF files for 2007 soybean variety trials

This page contains the 2008 extension demonstration data.

Adults are 10-12 mm and brilliant green, but as they get older, they may appear more yellow. Adults normally have two stripes across the back of the thorax, one yellow and one dark red to purple or even black .

First described in 1837, Piezodorus guildinii (a.k.a the red-shouldered stink bug) has been reported throughout the Americas. In Brazil, it is one of the principal pentatomid pests of soybean and has been common since 1970. In North America, it occurs in the southeast, as far north as Arkansas, as far east as South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and as far west as New Mexico.

Since 2005, the Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board has provided monies for an AgCenter Communications project to develop a research report highlighting board-funded projects. This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry.

Since 2005, the Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board has provided monies for an AgCenter Communications project to develop a research report highlighting board-funded projects. This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry. This is the report for 2011.

The 2011 LSU AgCenter Soybean Verification Program included fields in 10 parishes across the state – with the goal of applying practical research in the field to help farmers increase economic returns.

Soil fertility issues can be challenging for both farmers and scientists. An issue with soil fertility in one field – or one part of a field – may not exist in another.

Progress is being made, but research continues on the redbanded stink bug problem in soybeans across Louisiana.

List of Soybean and Grain Board of Directors

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board administers the national checkoffs for soybeans and grain sorghum as well as Louisiana’s wheat and feed grains checkoff. The board focuses your checkoff dollars on projects that address Louisiana’s most important production and marketing issues.

Dr. Ron Levy, LSU AgCenter soybeans and grain specialist, is conducting more work this year with the Syngenta product, Afla-Guard, to reduce aflatoxin.

It takes about a decade to develop a new wheat variety, and the diligence of LSU AgCenter wheat breeder Dr. Stephen Harrison is paying off. Next year, the LSU AgCenter’s wheat breeding program will release LA01110D-150.

A healthy plant is the first step toward optimizingyields and preventing disease in soybeans.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board funded these projects in various LSU AgCenter departments, research stations and regions this year. Projects list the research leaders, total funding and the portions allocated from soybean, corn/wheat or grain sorghum checkoff funds.

LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Zhi-Yuan Chen is teaming up with AgCenter soybean breeder Dr. Blair Buckley to work on a new project that should take them closer to finding a soybean variety that might repel Cercospora.

For several years, Louisiana soybean growershave experienced significant problems with plants that retained excessive green leaves, green stems and/or green pods after they have reached normal maturity. These symptoms – either alone or together – have been termed the “green plant malady” or “green bean malady.”

LSU AgCenter researcher Dr. Roberto Barbosa is beginning tests on methods for measuring drift from ground and aerial applicators that could be easier for farmers to use to improve the efficiency of pesticide application.

It’s no secret that producers must be able to identify and control existing and emerging weed, pest and disease issues for the Louisiana soybean industry to remain viable.

LSU AgCenter scientists are wagingwar on weeds on several fronts as herbicide resistance becomes an increasing threat.

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is using producer dollars to boost profits for sorghum growers with new market development, research and education.

For the past five years, LSU AgCenter researchers have been looking for ways to determine the optimum time to spray fungicides to control the major diseases in wheat and corn.

For corn producers, two major issues are determining how much nitrogen fertilizer to apply and when to apply it to get maximum results.

LSU AgCenter experts say good insect control practices and planting resistant wheat varieties may help wheat producers avoid widespread damage to their crops.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board has approved funding for these projects in various LSU AgCenter departments, research stations and regions during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Projects list the researcher leaders, total funding and the portions allocated from soybean, corn/wheat or grain sorghum checkoff funds.

Aspergillus is a genus of molds, and there are hundreds of its species. One type in particular, Aspergillus flavus, shows up in corn and can produce aflatoxin.

Very early applications of fungicides, long before symptoms develop, provide a surprising level of disease control for Cercospera leaf blight, according to LSU AgCenter research.

Dr. Cristina Sabliov, working with a team of scientists in the LSU AgCenter’s Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, has developed a continuous microwave system that can be used to extract beneficial compounds, such as isoflavone oils, from soy flour.

LSU AgCenter soybean specialist Dr. Ron Levy conducts the soybean research verification and on-farm demonstration programs.

The health benefits of soybeans are numerous, but an important protein is lost when soybeans are made into products such as soy milk and tofu.

Determining the most effective insecticides for control of Louisiana soybean pests is showing positive results, but more work is needed.

Roundup Ready soybeans were introduced in Louisiana in the mid-1990s. Today, almost all soybean varieties grown in the state are Roundup Ready.

LSU AgCenter researchers are trying to determine the best ways to control weeds that have plagued corn and feed grain producers for years as well as some just emerging as major problems.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board of Directors

The simple presence of green stems in an apparently mature soybean field may not be abnormal, but if they’re found in conjunction with other symptoms of delayed plant maturity, they may indicate a problem, according to the latest research by a multidisciplinary team of LSU AgCenter scientists.

Every year, Louisiana corn farmers cross their fingers all the way to the grain elevator after harvesting their crops, aware that a simple test could result in lower prices or rejection of an entire truckload of grain.

The complete PDF file of the 2010 Soybean & Grain Research Board Report

As required by statute, the state wheat and feed grain checkoff program will conduct a referendum on Aug. 26, 2010, to vote on the continuation of this checkoff.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board administers the state’s share of the national checkoffs for soybeans and grain sorghum and Louisiana’s wheat and feed grains checkoff. The board tries to address the most challenging production and market-related issues faced by Louisiana’s producers through the investment of your checkoff dollars.

Soybean is the most important oilseed crop grown in the world (56% of world oil seed production: U.S. Soybean Export Council, 2008). Major producers are the United States (33% of world production), followed closely by Brazil (28%) and Argentina (21%). Remaining producers are China, India and a few other countries.

A soybean verification program was initiated in 1994 to verify research by the LSU AgCenter at the farm level. Fields are selected statewide, including various cropping systems, and are monitored weekly. Data are collected throughout the growing season, and cooperators follow LSU AgCenter recommendations until harvest. Historically, LSRVP fields outyield the statewide average by 12 bushels per acre.

Soybean Extension Demostrations for 2011.

This page contains the contact information for the parish county agents. Also included is a list of soybean specialists.

Extension demonstrations are conducted annually in numerous parishes. The objective of these demonstrations is to evaluate new varieties and continue evaluating proven or recommended varieties under “real world” situations. These large-scale demonstrations are conducted primarily by the parish county agent with assistance from the state specialist and seed dealers.

More images to help with the identification of Asian soybean rust

Asian soybean rust ( Phakopsora pachyrhizi ) was found for the first time in the United States in Louisiana. While doing a routine inspection of a soybean production field at the LSU AgCenter’s Ben Hur Research Farm, Dr. Ray Schneider, plant pathologist, found what he suspected as Asian soybean rust.

The purpose of this plan is to outline actions for the pre- and post-confirmation of the establishment of Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) in the United States and Louisiana.

Provides a list of plant hosts for Asian Soybean Rust.

Symptoms of soybean rust appear identical regardless if they are caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi or Phakopsora meibomiae. Host plants infected with soybean rust first exhibit small lesions that gradually increase in size and turn from gray to tan or brown. They become polygonally shaped restricted by leaf veins, and may eventually reach 2 to 3 square millimeters.

Images identifiying Asian Soybean Rust

2011 recomended controls and thresholds for soybean insect pests. Brief biological sketches of soybean insect pests are included. Soybeans can be damaged by insects any time from plant emergence until near to harvest in Louisiana. Many kinds of insects feed on leaves, stems, roots, nodules and pods, but only a few require control with insecticides. (PDF Fomat Only)

2011 recomended controls and thresholds for soybean insect pests. Brief biological sketches of soybean insect pests are included. Soybeans can be damaged by insects any time from plant emergence until near to harvest in Louisiana. Many kinds of insects feed on leaves, stems, roots, nodules and pods, but only a few require control with insecticides. (PDF Fomat Only)

(Distrubuted 02/07/11) Ronnie Levy explains how to determine the grwoth stages of a soybean plant to help determine the production practices that may need implementing. (Runtime: 4:40)

(Distrubuted 02/07/11) Ronnie Levy explains the importance of nitrogen fixation in successfully producing a soybean crop. (Runtime: 2:53)

This page contains the soybean performance trials research summaries for the year 2005

The Louisiana Soybean Performance Trials are conducted annually by scientists of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES) to evaluate commercial soybean varieties and experimental lines for yield potential, agronomic performance and disease reaction. The trials are conducted at six LAES research stations that represent the major soybean production regions in Louisiana. Inclusion of an entry in the trials does not constitute an endorsement by the LAES.

2010 Extension Demonstrations for soybeans conducted in several Louisiana parishes with the cooperation of independent soybean producers.

Since 2005, the Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board has provided monies for an AgCenter Communications project to develop a research report highlighting board-funded projects. This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry. This is the report for 2010.

Dr. Ron Levy, LSU AgCenter soybeans and grain specialist, is conducting more work this year with the Syngenta product, Afla-Guard, to reduce aflatoxin.

2009 Extension Demonstrations

Several images show the identifying markings of the Redbanded Stink Bug and comparisons to other stink bugs.

Dr. Boyd Padgett demonstrates how to scout soybean fields for diseases such as cercospora. (Runtime: 4:32)

Dr. Charles Overstreet discusses ways to determine if nematodes are present in a soybean field. (Runtime: 4:07)

Dr. Roger Leonard demonstrates how to effectively use a sweep net in a soybean field for insect scouting. (Runtime: 5:48)

Dr. Boyd Padgett demonstrates how to scout soybean fields for diseases such as cercospora. (Runtime: 4:32)

Dr. Charles Overstreet discusses ways to determine if nematodes are present in a soybean field. (Runtime: 4:07)

Dr. Roger Leonard demonstrates how to effectively use a sweep net in a soybean field for insect scouting. (Runtime: 5:48)

This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. The continuation of this project will help build producer, industry and stakeholder awareness and support of board activities. It also serves as a marketing p

Since 2005, the Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board has provided monies for an AgCenter Communications project to develop a research report highlighting board-funded projects. This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry. This is the report for 2009.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board funded these projects in various LSU AgCenter departments, research stations and regions during the past year. Projects list the researcher leaders, total funding and the portions allocated from soybean, corn/wheat or grain sorghum checkoff funds.

LSU AgCenter faculty members had five projects funded by the new United Sorghum Checkoff Program during its first year of operation.The new program was established in 2008 under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 and began collecting checkoff dollars in July 2008. It is designed to use producers’ checkoff dollars to boost profits for sorghum growers with new market development, research and education.

Dr. Blair Buckley, associate professor for the LSU AgCenter, focuses on breeding soybeans to develop varieties with resistance to Cercospora leaf blight. Disease-resistant varieties reduce the need for fungicide applications.

Dr. Daniel Stephenson is conducting research trials with feed grains and soybeans at the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria and its Red River Research Station in Bossier City.

A new research program in the LSU AgCenter is using optical sensors to help corn growers improve nitrogen efficiency by matching fertilizer rates to the yield potential of the crop and available nitrogen in the soil.

The 2009 season is the second year of a research project attempting to provide a better understanding of the complex symptoms associated with soybean plants that appear to mature abnormally.Known as “green bean syndrome” by some and “green stem” by others, the phenomenon has become relatively common across Louisiana

Field corn and small grains represent substantial acreage and contribute significant crop value to agriculture in Louisiana – with more than 1 million acres and $553 million in value for 2008.

The latest challenge on the horizon for wheat breeding is developing resistance to fusarium head blight or scab, according to Dr. Steve Harrison, the LSU AgCenter’s small grains breeder.

Glyphosate – the active ingredient in Roundup – is convenient, easy-to-use and cost-effective. Repeated use likely has led to glyphosate-resistant weeds, however, according to Jim Griffin, a weed scientist with the LSU AgCenter.

LSU AgCenter researchers are looking at disease resistance in corn and wheat varieties and working to determine how fungicide timing and use may affect disease development.

Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board Members

LSU AgCenter scientists are taking aim at the diverse mix of insect pests southern soybean producers have traditionally faced as well as new and resurging pests.

Dr. Jack Losso’s research could be considered insightful. This LSU AgCenter food scientist is working with lutein, an antioxidant that can delay vision loss in older individuals or people with diabetes.

An LSU AgCenter demonstration program is a proving ground for new varieties of soybeans, corn and grain sorghum. Planting several varieties side by side lets farmers compare disease susceptibility, yields, insect resistance and other characteristics.

LSU AgCenter researchers are attacking the problem of aflatoxin on several fronts.Aflatoxin, a chemical produced by mold inside corn kernels, is harmful to livestock and is considered a cancer-causing agent.

LSU AgCenter researchers are taking a variety of approaches to combat soybean diseases.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board directs your checkoff dollars to research projects that address Louisiana’s most important production issues. The board administers Louisiana’s wheat and corn checkoff and the national checkoffs on soybeans and sorghum for Louisiana. Whether obtained through national or state checkoff programs, your checkoff dollars make it possible to fund continuing research that addresses issues specific to Louisiana conditions.

This publication serves as the 2009 report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board focuses your checkoff dollars on projects that address Louisiana’s most important production and marketing issues.

This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. It also serves as a marketing piece for the board and grain industry.

Late-fall to early-winter herbicide application is a new approach to managing winter weeds in Louisiana.

The two most important corn borer pests are the sugarcane borer and the southwestern corn borer.

Dr. Zhimin Xu is taking what was a relatively useless product and making it a healthful preservative. Defatted soy flour is a byproduct of producing vegetable oil from soybeans, and until now, it was used only as animal feed – and only in some cases.

The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board funded these projects in various LSU AgCenter departments, research stations and regions during the past year. Projects list researchers, total funding and the portions allocated from soybean funding or feed grain funding.

Getting pesticides to the intended target is the goal of Dr. Roberto Barbosa, LSU AgCenter assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering.

One of the main focuses of the LSU AgCenter’s soybean breeding program is to develop soybean varieties with resistance to Cercospora leaf blight.

Monitoring programs and educational efforts from the LSU AgCenter are among an array of factors that have kept Asian soybean rust from inflicting major harm on the state’s crop.

Since the Louisiana Soybean Research and Verification Program began in 1994, soybean farmers have been increasing yields and profits by following the recommended practices of the LSU AgCenter.During the 14 years of the program, more than 120 producers in 20 parishes have participated in helping to verify the LSU AgCenter’s research results and recommendations in their fields. In turn, the fields in the program have averaged yields of 43.5 bushels of soybeans per acre while the state average is

With dry conditions this season, ways to combat aflatoxin in corn are taking on huge significance.LSU AgCenter plant breeder Dr. Steve Moore continues to look for ways to combat aflatoxin in corn, especially in evaluating lines for resistance.

LSU AgCenter researchers continue their quest for short-term and long-term solutions in the battle with soybean diseases – particularly Asian soybean rust.

Fertilizer recommendations for Louisiana crops are being improved with the adoption of new soil testing methods by the LSU AgCenter’s soils lab, according to Dr. Jim Wang.

Louisiana soybean growers have become increasingly interested in early planting, and LSU AgCenter researchers have been evaluating how different cultural practices affect soybean performance.

LSU AgCenter researchers are using a multidisciplinary approach to study soybean green plant problems across Louisiana.

LSU AgCenter personnel at the Dean Lee Research Station are studying raised-bed planting of a double crop of wheat and soybeans.

Last year the state’s farmers harvested 228,000 acres of wheat, up from 110,000 acres in 2006. For 2008, the total increased to approximately 400,000 acres, according to LSU AgCenter wheat breeder Dr. Steve Harrison.

This guide can be used to aid in the identification of soybean insects in Louisiana. (PDF Format Only)

This guide can be used to aid in the identification of soybean insects in Louisiana. (PDF Format Only)

This publication serves as a report to soybean and small grain producers about the results from LSU AgCenter projects that their check-off dollars funded. The continuation of this project will help build producer, industry and stakeholder awareness and support of board activities.

(Distributed 09/09/08) WHITEVILLE – Farmer Jeffrey Sylvester gazed over a field that looked more suited for water-skiing than growing rice. “There’s a rice crop under that water,” he said. “That’s all standing rice.”

A description of how biomass is being used for energy in Louisiana with an emphasis on the potential for expansion in the industry. (PDF format only)

Irrigation ponds can irrigate fields during the summer without resorting to pumping water from wells.

(Distributed03/27/03) Rice planting has begun in South Louisiana, but many farmers in the central and northern parts of the state are looking for options because they’ve been delayed by persistent rains and wet field conditions. That’s where the state’s aerial applicators – pilots with specially equipped aircraft – come in. And many of those aerial applicators take advantage of LSU AgCenter services that help them check their equipment.

The trouble with Asian soybean rust, the disease most feared by soybean farmers, is that the spores that cause it can blow into a field from anywhere, anytime. And Hurricane Dennis could bring in a new wave from South America.

In Louisiana, southern green stink bugs and brown stink bugs (Figures 1, 2 and 3) have become common pests of corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybean and wheat. In corn, an infestation can cause injury to the plant from seedling emergence through ear formation and grain development. Seedlings punctured by stink bugs exhibit small holes surrounded by localized dead tissue.