Author
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Vantoai, Tara |
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SPECHT, JAMES - UNIV. OF NEBRASKA |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 10/31/2002 Publication Date: 4/5/2004 Citation: Vantoai, T.T., Specht, J. 2004. The physiological basis of soybean yield potential and environmental adaptation. Physiology and Biochemistry Integration for Plant Breeding. Marcel Dekker, New York, NY. p 327-362. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The improvement of soybean seed yield in the USA has continued unabated since early 1930 at the rate of 22.6 kg per ha per year and is attributed to a combination of the following factors: (i) genetic improvement in (a) yield potential, (b) adaptation to abiotic stresses, and (c) resistance/tolerance to specific biotic stresses, (ii) improvement of management and concentration. However, the average on-farm yield achieved by USA soybean producers in 1997 was only about 2,500 kg per ha or 31% the hypothesized maximum yield potential of 8,000 kg per ha calculated based on the conversion of solar energy into seeds. A large percentage (69%) of gaps between the average on-farm crop yield and the crop potential yield was attributable to the environmental stresses caused by inappropriate soils and/or unfavorable weather. Among the environmental stresses, drought or insufficient water for crop growth is the most recurrent and prevalent annual reducer of crop yield. After drought, flooding due to excess water is the second most damaging constraint on crop growth and affects about 16% of the production areas worldwide. Other stresses including salinity, cold and heat also create havoc on crops. To sustain and enhance crop yield improvement in the future, technological innovations must be continually interjected into the agricultural enterprise. |
