Soybean Protein Content Variation among Genotypes Grown in Morden and Ottawa

Soybean protein content varies among varieties and is also affected by environmental factors. Very short growing environments may reduce soybean protein content and coincidentally increase oil content. In this project, we will evaluate soybean varieties and breeding lines for protein and oil content at Morden, MB and Ottawa, ON. Thirty-two early-maturing soybeans were grown in 2015 at both locations in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The average yield of the 32 lines at Morden (1385 kg/ha) was much lower than Ottawa (2802 kg/ha). The seed at Morden (158 g/1000 seeds) was also smaller than Ottawa (178 g/1000 seeds). The overall average protein content for 32 lines grown at Morden (40%) was 2.2% lower than the average grown at Ottawa (42.2%), while the oil content was similar at two sites. Significantly negative correlations were found between oil and protein content at both locations. High protein content soybeans were identified for both Morden (up to 45.5%) and Ottawa (up to 49.8%). The trial will be repeated in 2016 and 2017.