Updated April 27, 2021:
Increasing oleic acid content in soybean seed will provide a healthier oil with improved oxidative stability for increased shelf life, flavor, extended cooking time and other applications such as for lubricants and biodiesel. High oleic soy oil will reduce the need for hydrogenation and eliminate trans-fats. A diet in which fat consumption from soybean high in oleic acid would mimic olive oil which is associated with reduced cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and heart disease. Several U.S. plant breeders are incorporating the non- GMO, high oleic trait into maturity groups 00 through VII soybeans for production throughout the USA and the first cultivars with these non-GMO genes are expected to be released in 2019.
evaluated HOLL MG III through MG V lines (conventional/RR2) in advanced yield trials at five to seven locations in Missouri and four locations in Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa. These lines were submitted to the 2018 USDA Northern and/or Southern Uniform Soybean Trials. The team had approximately 300 HOLL MG III and early MG IV lines (conventional/RR2) in preliminary yield trials at four locations in Missouri and three additional locations in Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois during 2018. The team has HOLL plant material in various stages of early generation development throughout the breeding process. The best lines will be advanced through broader testing during 2019.
Development of non-GMO derived high oleic soybeans will allow a healthier, more functional seed oil desired by consumers and oil processors than oil from commodity soybeans. High oleic acid, low linolenic acid soybean oil is similar to olive oil but, it can be produced in large quantities and sold at a lower price than olive oil. High oleic soybeans will improve cold flow of biodiesel; stability at high temperatures in lubricants and cooking oil and demand for use in foods and other products.