Abstract Detail

Agronomy

Carkner, Michelle [1], Entz, Martin [1].

On-farm soybean variety evaluation for suitability to organic and transition to organic soybean production in southern Manitoba.

Organic farmers have an opportunity to take advantage of increased organic soybean demand in Manitoba from domestic and international markets. However, a greater knowledge base and proper soybean varieties in Manitoba are required, as there are limited soybean varietal choices. The objective of this project is the evaluation of ten to fifteen early season conventional (non-GMO) soybean varieties under organic management on six sites in southern Manitoba. Ten to fifteen varieties were seeded on four organic farms and one transition to organic farm in the summer of 2014 in St-Pierre-Jolys, Woodmore, Elie, Somerset, and Swan Lake as well as the Ian Morrison Research Farm in Carman, Manitoba. All plots received pre-emergence harrow as well as one pass with inter-row cultivation at the V3 stage. One of the primary qualities under evaluation is weed competitiveness. Within each plot, a 1m² area was kept weed-free to compare weed competitiveness performance. Yield data was comparable to conventional soybean yields in Manitoba, however, five out of six sites observed no significant differences between cultivars. Additionally, there were no significant differences observed between weedy and weed-free subplots at any site. Varietal differences between such as plant height, height to first pod, harvest index, and quality (protein and oil content) were also analyzed. This research provides performance data and technical support for organic farmers interested in soybean production in Manitoba.

1 - University of Manitoba, Plant Science, 222 Agriculture Building, Plant Science, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada

Keywords:
Soybean
Manitoba
varietal suitability
Public Participation in Scientific Research
organic production.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall D/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PAG005
Abstract ID:1094
Candidate for Awards:CSA Graduate Student Competition for Best Poster Presentation