NDSU Soybean Iron Chlorosis Scores Available

North Dakota State University conducts research annually on soybean varieties for their tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC).

“This information can help producers select soybean varieties for 2022 that are more tolerant to IDC, when needed,” says Hans Kandel, NDSU Extension agronomist.

During the summer of 2021, NDSU’s soybean breeding program tested 205 Enlist, GT27, Roundup Ready and Xtend soybean varieties, as well as 41 conventional and Liberty Link varieties, for IDC tolerance.

The test results are based on replicated trials conducted at a location with a history of IDC. Visual ratings were made on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 indicating no chlorosis and 5 being the most severe chlorosis. Ratings were taken at three different soybean growth stages.

This summer’s tests showed significant differences among soybean varieties. For example, the average scores for the genetically modified organism (GMO) group tested ranged from 1.1 (most tolerant) to 4 (the least tolerant variety).

The test results are available at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/varietytrials/soybean.

“Soybean varieties have genetic differences in how tolerant they are to IDC symptoms,” says Carrie Miranda, NDSU soybean breeder.

“Although we had dry growing conditions. IDC was still observed in many soybean fields in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota during the 2021 crop season,” Kandel says.

Plant leaves with IDC show symptoms of yellowing with green veins. Yellowing, browning and stunting of the plants during the early plant growth usually results in reduced soybean yields.

“Producers can utilize the NDSU data to select for an appropriate IDC-tolerant soybean variety for a field with known IDC issues for their 2022 season,” Miranda says. “Selecting a soybean variety with tolerance to IDC is an important management decision producers can make to reduce the negative yield effect of chlorosis.”

Although IDC tolerance in soybean varieties is important, producers are encouraged to look at the yield potential of soybean varieties as well as other important traits. Varieties with similar IDC tolerance can vary greatly in their yield potential.