Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Soybeans > Soybean production in Louisiana contributes nearly $230 million to the state's economy. The LSU AgCenter is committed to aiding the soybean industry through research and extension programs. For more information on soybeans, please note the sub-topics at right or type in a topic in the search box at the top of this page. Through generous support from the Lousiana Soybean & Grain Research and Promotion Board, the LSU AgCenter produces an annual report of highlights from research and extension programs. Go to the 2008 report. To learn more about soybean research and extension programs, please contact Dr. David Boethel, vice chancellor for research, and Dr. Paul Coreil, vice chancellor for extension. | Corn | Cotton | Forage | Rice | | Sorghum | Soybean | Sugarcane | Wheat & Oats | 2009-2010 Louisiana Soybean and Grain Board Funded Projects The Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board funded these projects in various LSU AgCenter departments, research stations and regions during the past year. Projects list the researcher leaders, total funding and the portions allocated from soybean, corn/wheat or grain sorghum checkoff funds. Soybean breeding [Image: Dr. BLari Buckley showing Soybeans] Dr. Blair Buckley, associate professor for the LSU AgCenter, focuses on breeding soybeans to develop varieties with resistance to Cercospora leaf blight. Disease-resistant varieties reduce the need for fungicide applications. Research focuses on new herbicide choices for soybeans, feed grains [Image: dr. Dan Stephenson] Dr. Daniel Stephenson is conducting research trials with feed grains and soybeans at the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria and its Red River Research Station in Bossier City. BIOMASS SENSORS could predict corn yields A new research program in the LSU AgCenter is using optical sensors to help corn growers improve nitrogen efficiency by matching fertilizer rates to the yield potential of the crop and available nitrogen in the soil.  more articles... ‘Green bean’ discovery team looking for answers [Image: normal soybean plants in the field] The 2009 season is the second year of a research project attempting to provide a better understanding of the complex symptoms associated with soybean plants that appear to mature abnormally.Known as “green bean syndrome” by some and “green stem” by others, the phenomenon has become relatively common across Louisiana Sorghum checkoff dollars at work funding Louisiana projects [Image: sorghum harvest at dean lee] LSU AgCenter faculty members had five projects funded by the new United Sorghum Checkoff Program during its first year of operation.The new program was established in 2008 under the authority of the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996 and began collecting checkoff dollars in July 2008. It is designed to use producers’ checkoff dollars to boost profits for sorghum growers with new market development, research and education. Team investigating insect pest management on corn, small grains [Image: sugarcane borer causing damage to corn plant] Field corn and small grains represent substantial acreage and contribute significant crop value to agriculture in Louisiana – with more than 1 million acres and $553 million in value for 2008. Wheat breeding program breaking new ground [Image: Dr. Harrison in a wheat field] The latest challenge on the horizon for wheat breeding is developing resistance to fusarium head blight or scab, according to Dr. Steve Harrison, the LSU AgCenter’s small grains breeder. Scientists looking at NEW TECHNOLOGIES for weed-control programs in soybeans, wheat, feed grains [Image: soybeans and weeds in a field] Glyphosate – the active ingredient in Roundup – is convenient, easy-to-use and cost-effective. Repeated use likely has led to glyphosate-resistant weeds, however, according to Jim Griffin, a weed scientist with the LSU AgCenter. Disease resistance among targets [Image: Dr. Padgett showing wheat disease symptoms] LSU AgCenter researchers are looking at disease resistance in corn and wheat varieties and working to determine how fungicide timing and use may affect disease development. LSU AgCenter researchers attacking aflatoxin on several fronts [Image: farmer in his corn field] LSU AgCenter researchers are attacking the problem of aflatoxin on several fronts.Aflatoxin, a chemical produced by mold inside corn kernels, is harmful to livestock and is considered a cancer-causing agent. Targeting soybean insects Scientists take aim at diverse complex of pests LSU AgCenter scientists are taking aim at the diverse mix of insect pests southern soybean producers have traditionally faced as well as new and resurging pests. Lutein research ‘insightful’ Scientist looking to corn as source for antioxidant [Image: Dr. Jack Lasso in the lab] Dr. Jack Losso’s research could be considered insightful. This LSU AgCenter food scientist is working with lutein, an antioxidant that can delay vision loss in older individuals or people with diabetes. Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board [Image: soybean board members] Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board Members Click for more information...