SELECTION TO MAXIMIZE GROSS VALUE PER HECTARE WITHIN 3 SOYBEAN POPULATIONS

The value of the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to processors is pri marily determined by the protein and oil content of the seed, while th e value to the producer is determined by the yield. Breeders need to c onsider how selection for yield can be combined with selection for pro tein and oil to maximize gross value per hectare (GVH). Previous resea rch has not compared selection criteria within segregating populations to identify lines with the highest GVH. The objective of this study w as to select lines from segregating populations for yield, protein, oi l, the sum of protein and oil, total kg of protein and oil per hectare , and GVH to determine which criterion identified lines with the highe st GVH. Experimental lines selected from three populations were evalua ted for GVH, based on three protein to oil price ratios. GVH of lines selected for yield was equal to that of lines selected for a combinati on of yield, protein, and oil content. Based on this study it appears that soybean breeders who have a goal of maximizing GVH can select sol ely for yield and avoid expensive protein and oil testing. The lines t hat were high in protein, oil, or sum of protein and oil content, were low yielding and low in GVH at all three protein to oil price ratios. The higher value per kilogram seed of lines selected for protein, oil , or the sum of protein and oil content, did not compensate for the lo wer yield.