2023 Checkoff Funded Research Projects

The MSC board of directors has approved 23 competitive research projects for 2023. They provide funding to experts who are skilled at conducting meaningful research in Michigan soybean production. Funding decisions follow a strategic plan to allocate funds to the most critical agronomic needs of Michigan soybean growers.

Many projects build upon previous funding and contribute to multi-year efforts, while some are single year projects. All research projects fall within at least one of the following categories, each representing specific areas of soybean production and profitability:

• Resource Limitations: Factors that impact attaining maximum genetic potential

• Plant Health: Issues that compromise and detract from plant health

• Genetics: Inherent genetic potential of soybean plants

• External Factors: Factors that impact soybean profitability, external to plant production

Research projects are intended to work across focus areas and develop integrated solutions to production issues. Research projects addressing these priorities receive preference, though proposals for research projects addressing issues outside of these priorities are considered.

The following are the 2023 funded projects:

Soybean Breeding

Soybean Breeding And Genetic Improvement For Michigan Environments

Researcher: Dr. Dechun Wang, Michigan State University

Investment: $118,853

Description: The MSU soybean breeding program will continue to develop varieties with high yield and resistance to critical disease and insect pests. Specialty lines will also be developed with high protein, large and small seed sizes and high value oil traits. Changing industry directions will be sought and used to provide future focus of the breeding program.

Enhance Research In Soybean Field Evaluations In Michigan

Researcher: Dr. Dechun Wang, Michigan State University

Investment: $56,112

Description: The management of the multiple locations of the Michigan Soybean Performance Trials and the MSU soybean breeding field operations require the support of two research technicians. This project helps to fund a portion of one research technician.

Soybean Cyst Nematode

Effects Of Different Manures And Their Bacteria On Soybean Cyst Nematode

Researcher: Dr. Marisol Quintanilla, Michigan State University

Investment: $14,921

Description: This project will look into alternative methods to control SCN which have shown some promise in initial observations. Greenhouse and laboratory studies will evaluate the effects of Dairy Doo, Sili-K, layer manure, seed starter 101, Colorado, Worm Doo and a layer ash blend on the mortality of juvenile nematodes and hatching of nematode eggs. Further analysis will include compost organic acid composition and molecular identification of the most promising bacterial isolates.

Nutrient Management

Planter Applied Nutrient Management Strategies To Enhance Soybean Production

Researcher: Dr. Kurt Steinke, Michigan State University

Investment: $47,000

Description: Nutrient management from planter applied fertilizer will compare three tiers of starter fertilizer intensity. Impacts on yield, profitability, nodulation and atmospheric N fixation will be measured. Past research has shown increased early crop biomass and sometimes increased grain yield but profitability increases have not been consistent. This project seeks to evaluate profitability more closely.

Harnessing Rhizosphere Microbiomes To Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency In Soybean Production Systems

Researcher: Dr. Lisa Tiemann, Michigan State University

Investment: $19,495

Description: Evaluate the interaction of rhizobium and other inoculants with the rest of the soybean rhizosphere microbiome, identify how the microbiome controls N-fixation and evaluate soybean N use efficiency. The potential for improving soil health, increasing soybean yields and protein content will be measured.

Weed Control

OPTIMIZING WEED CONTROL IN NON-GMO SOYBEANS

Researcher: Dr. Christy Sprague, Michigan State University

Investment: $8,500

Description: Evaluate the effectiveness and economics of commercially available non-GMO herbicide