Growth and Yield of Vegetable Soybean (Edamame) in Mississippi

Abstract

<jats:p>Soybean (<jats:italic>Glycine max</jats:italic>) grown as a vegetable is gaining in popularity in the U.S. and demand is expected to increase over the long term. However, information on production in the U.S. is limited because most of the product is imported. Field experiments were conducted at Stoneville, Miss., in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate the production and yield potential and to estimate the net returns for sustainable production in the Mississippi Delta. In 2004, four vegetable soybean varieties were evaluated and 23 varieties were evaluated in 2005. The varieties varied from maturity group III to VII. The late-maturing varieties were generally taller, had more nodes/plant, pods/plant, and fresh green pod yield at R6 stage (full seed) than the early-maturing varieties. Fresh green bean yield ranged from 1438 to 19,119 lb/acre in 2004. The mean bean yield for the 18 Apr. 2005 planting was 26,538 lb/acre compared with a mean of 18,131 lb/acre for the 10 May 2005 planting. Interaction occurred between planting date and variety as well as soil type and variety for all the variables evaluated. ‘Envy’ produced the lowest yield, whereas ‘Garden Soy 01’, ‘Garden Soy 21’, ‘Midori Giant’, ‘Mojo Green’, and ‘Moon Cake’ produced the highest fresh bean yield. The estimated net returns, using the Mississippi State Budget Generator as a guide, indicated more than twice the returns from growing the regular commodity soybean. The data suggest that vegetable soybean can fit well into the existing cropping system and could be a viable alternative crop for growers in the Mississippi Delta who want to capitalize on a niche market.</jats:p>

Evaluation of edamame genotypes suitable for growing in Florida

“…Overall, shorter plants were observed compared to results reported by Ogles et al. (2016) in Alabama, but taller than plant heights reported by Zhang and Kyei‐Boahen (2007) in Mississippi. In addition to decreased lodging susceptibility, Zandonadi, Coolong, and Pfeiffer (2010) indicated that shorter plants presented higher harvest efficiency compared to taller plants.…”

“…Optimal edamame harvesting timing is critical to achieve peak texture and flavor (Johnson, 2000; Mbuvi & Litchfield, 1995; Wszelaki et al., 2005), and timeliness of harvest influences yield and quality. Crop developmental time affects quality properties such as color, texture, and seed size in edamame (Mbuvi & Litchfield, 1995), and maximum sweetness is achieved 1 mo after flowering when pods are plump and bright green (Zhang & Kyei‐Boahen, 2007). Studies have suggested that since quality traits do not peak at the same time for all genotypes, edamame harvest timing is optimal when pods are green with fully developed immature green seeds (Mbuvi & Litchfield, 1995; Shanmugasundaram, Cheng, Huang, & Yan, 1991), corresponding with the R6 development stage.…”

“…They also found significant differences for the percentage of 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐seeded pods among five cultivars. Zhang and Kyei‐Boahen (2007) evaluated seven cultivars in a 2‐yr field study in the Mississippi Delta. Fresh pod yield ranged from 4535 to 21,430 kg ha −1 .…”

Phenomorphological Characterization of Vegetable Soybean Germplasm Lines for Commercial Production

“…Variety trials, ranging from four to eight cultivars, have been conducted at a few locations around the United States in recent years (Carson et al, 2011;Duppong and Hatterman-Valenti, 2005;Sánchez et al, 2005;Zhang and Kyei-Boahen 2007). Variety trials, ranging from four to eight cultivars, have been conducted at a few locations around the United States in recent years (Carson et al, 2011;Duppong and Hatterman-Valenti, 2005;Sánchez et al, 2005;Zhang and Kyei-Boahen 2007).…”

“…Although vegetable soybean cultivars are unique, agronomic practices for the crop are largely borrowed from grain-type soybean production. Variety trials, ranging from four to eight cultivars, have been conducted at a few locations around the United States in recent years (Carson et al, 2011;Duppong and Hatterman-Valenti, 2005;Sánchez et al, 2005;Zhang and Kyei-Boahen 2007). Generally, field trials are managed similarly to grain-type soybean, including planting date, planting equipment, seeding rates, fertility management, and irrigation.…”