Update:
1. The 2015 Quality Traits Test consisted of 21 cooperators growing 74 field tests in 40 environments in 14 states and in Canada. Quality trait targets in the 2015 tests include Linolenic (<2.5%), Saturates (<7%), Oleic (> 70%), Meal Protein (=50%), Oil (> 20% on a 13% moisture basis while maintaining at least a 48% meal protein), and Sucrose (= 8%), as well as some trait combinations. In addition, iron chlorosis data was collected at two locations in Nebraska with high pH soil, A report will be made available in Jan. 2016, to satisfy the project’s KPI, after all data is compiled and analyzed. An effort is being made for 2016 for each state to submit their own phenotype data (above) using a common NIR calibration – as opposed to submitting samples into one central lab.
2. Stability analyses for each quality trait in 2015 is forthcoming.
3. The economic assessment for 2015 is forthcoming.

The Quality Traits test is a cooperative test (2001-2016) among public soybean breeders and is conducted across numerous states and locations to test and develop soybean varieties that contain improved quallity traits, These traits include increased protein and oil content, high oleic, low linolenic, modified carbohydrate traits of increased sugar and/or low oligosacchrides, modified amino acid content, and low phytate. The annual results for each year can be obtained by contacting Dr. George Graef of the University of Nebraska at ggraef1@unl.ed.The experimental varieties developed under this program ultimately lead to released varieties with improved qualtiy traits that either come through direct release to the market or as private varieties that contain as a source the germplasm developed through by breeders from this project.