11-24-08
Contacts:
Walter Fehr, Agronomy, (515) 294-6865, wfehr@iastate.edu
Dan Kuester, News Service, 515-294-0704, kuester@iastate.edu
ISU researchers introduce higher-yielding soybean varieties with improved oil
AMES, Iowa -- The soybean breeding program at Iowa State University has introduced four, ultralow linolenic-acid soybean varieties and two, low-saturate soybean varieties for 2009 planting that will result in higher yields for farmers.
"Farmers who are growing soybeans of any type always want higher yield. That is a primary goal of our breeding program for ultralow linolenic and low-saturate soybeans as well. The new varieties yield more than current varieties with improved oil characteristics," said Walter Fehr, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences who developed the healthier soybean oils.
Consumers value the health benefits of the ultralow linolenic and the low-saturate oils. The ultralow linolenic oil does not require chemical hydrogenation -- a step that results in the production of undesirable trans-fatty acids. The low-saturate oil is valuable for consumers who want to reduce undesirable saturated fat in their diets.
Farmers can earn a premium for growing the varieties and keeping them separate from other beans throughout the planting and delivery cycle.
Development of varieties at ISU with modified fatty acid composition is made possible through financial support of U.S. soybean farmers through the Iowa Soybean Association and the United Soybean Board.
Information about accessing seed or oil of ISU varieties with modified fatty acid content can be found at www.notrans.iastate.edu.
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