Soybean: insufficient capitalisation of genetic progress
In ten years, genetic progress has boosted soybean crop yield from 2 to 3.6 quintals per hectare. These figures are from a survey conducted in the early 1980s by the French Terres Inovia technical institute, specialising in oil and protein crops Each year, the very early 000 varieties gain 0.36 q/ha, 00 varieties are up + 0.31 q/ha, the 0 varieties harvest + 0.24 q/ha and the late varieties I are increased by + 0.21 q/ha.
Genetic progress in several criteria
Soybean genetic progress is not only made in yields, but also in protein content. According to the same study, the latter has increased by 2.6 points in forty years, i.e. about +0.7 points every ten years. Against the risk of lodging, at constant height, soybean has improved its stalk resistance and first pod height. Newer varieties are also less prone to lodging. As for sclerotinia, which is progressing due to increased soybean and sunflower acreage, varieties have recorded very good levels of tolerance to the disease since 2019.
Only one third of seeds used in Europe are certified
Yet this genetic quality is not found in the field. According to our estimates, only one third of European soybean fields are cultivated with certified seeds. Disparities are noted between countries, despite the existence of regulations prohibiting the use of farm seeds without the prior agreement of the breeder. The consequences of this low rate of renewal of certified seeds directly inhibit varietal innovation and therefore hinder the competitiveness of an entire sector.
Certified seeds: cost-effective, reliable and practical
When all is said and done, certified soybean seed brings a yield gain of 4 to 6 quintals per hectare. The main advantages are access to new high-performance varieties, improved germination (minimum germination standard at 80%), health control (diaporthe/phomopsis) and the absence of weeds. High quality sorting gives even sizing guaranteeing good control of the sowing density for the farmer. Pre-inoculating the seed with a rhizobium is another practical, time-saving advantage.
RAGT has the genetic flow to meet animal and human nutritional needs for seeds, soya meal and ingredients.
