Develop soybean varieties in Maturity Group 2.5-4.5 that are top-ranked for yield among public varieties. Discover and deploy valuable traits in soybean. Enhance soybean genetic diversity to maintain and increase genetic gain for yield potential. Improve soybean physiological efficiencies using phenomics and genomics. Track progress through yield rankings, seed requests, scholarly outputs, patents, graduate student employment in the seed industry, varieties licensed.
Variety performance summarized annually in the Uniform Soybean Test report viewed by seed industry professionals. Ag Alumni Seed promotes our varieties, and we meet with potential licensees at the Soybean Breeders’ Workshop, Corn Belt Seed Conference, ASTA CSS, etc. Research results are communicated through publications, students, conferences, field days, meetings, and seminars. Success in communication and engagement is gaged through seed requests from other breeders and third-party licensees and seed industry engagement. This project strengthens the reputation of Indiana Soy by attracting additional investments and public-private partnerships; we are part of an innovation ecosystem that addresses issues in the seed industry, soybean genetics, and soybean production, and we are collaborate with multiple private sector partners. Of course, education is key in our objectives and Dr. Rainey’s students continue to work with soybeans at Corteva (Johnston, IA), Bayer (Chesterfield, MO), and GDM Seeds (Champaign, IL), as well as at start-ups and universities. Further, two of Dr. Rainey’s five current graduate students are full-time employees in the seed industry working in soybean breeding programs- Corteva (Windfall, IN and GDM Seeds (Champaign, IL).