NDSU Published 2026 Soybean Tolerance Scores
Researchers evaluated 90 soybean varieties for iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance across North Dakota.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Agriculture
Live Poll
Is now a good time for farmers to prioritize disease-resistance traits over total yield potential?
North Dakota State University has released new iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance ratings for 90 different soybean varieties. The data aims to help producers manage soil-related plant stress during future planting cycles.
Why it matters
Cool and wet weather during the 2026 growing season created conditions favorable for iron deficiency chlorosis in central North Dakota. These findings provide farmers with critical guidance for selecting more resilient crops for the 2027 season.
Researchers tested 90 soybean varieties, including Enlist, GT27, Roundup Ready, Xtend, and conventional types. Plants were graded on a 1-to-5 scale, where 1 indicates no symptoms and 5 indicates severe iron deficiency chlorosis.
The players
North Dakota State University
This is a land-grant research university that provides agricultural science and extension services to the state.
North Dakota Soybean Council
This organization represents the state's soybean producers and provides funding for research projects that support the industry.
The details
The study utilized replicated field trials conducted in locations with documented histories of iron deficiency chlorosis. Visual symptom ratings were recorded by researchers across three distinct soybean growth stages to ensure accuracy.
Timeline
Trials were conducted throughout the summer of 2026.
Data is intended for use in selecting varieties for the 2027 growing season.
Market Landscape
This research reflects a broader trend of agricultural institutions focusing on site-specific variety testing to combat soil nutrient uptake issues. By standardizing tolerance metrics, the university helps maintain competitive productivity despite localized climatic pressures.
Producers in North Dakota can directly apply these variety ratings to their planting strategy for the upcoming 2027 season. Choosing varieties with higher tolerance levels may reduce plant stress and support more stable yields in fields with historical iron deficiency issues.
The takeaway
Selecting soybean varieties based on proven tolerance to local soil conditions is a primary way to mitigate the impacts of wet, cool weather. Farmers should utilize these standardized ratings to better align their crop choices with specific field history.
Further reading
Learn more about local crop management research on the Agriculture section.
More information
View the complete soybean variety iron chlorosis test results on the university database.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Roundup.
Live Poll
Is now a good time for farmers to prioritize disease-resistance traits over total yield potential?
