Location: Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research
Project Number: 6070-21220-070-088-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2026
End Date: Jun 30, 2030
Objective:
The objective of this research is to generate 150–200 new crosses each year from approximately five parental combinations in Tennessee. Crosses involving the E3 herbicide tolerance trait will be advanced and released through the University of Tennessee, with participation in regional trials serving North Carolina and southeastern U.S. producers. Conventional crosses will be returned to North Carolina for field evaluation, selection, and release through the SNFRU, with the goal of identifying lines that exhibit high yield, broad adaptation, and strong agronomic performance across the southeastern United States.
Approach:
The SNFRU conducts a continuous, cyclic breeding effort to develop and release high-yielding, disease-resistant, and stress-tolerant soybean varieties adapted to North Carolina and the broader Southeastern U.S. NC producers have expressed strong demand for early-maturing varieties, which allow for earlier harvest, reduced late-season disease pressure, and greater planting flexibility. The Cooperator maintains an active crossing program that targets MG VI-V and holds elite parents combining herbicide tolerance traits, multiple disease resistance, and high yield potential. The Cooperator maintains the greenhouse facilities, field crossing nurseries, and trained staff to support a high-volume crossing program.