DRESDEN, Ont. — The development of specialty soybean lines could make soybean oil an even more attractive feedstock for the automotive industry.
It’s a research focus for Istvan Rajcan and his team at the University of Guelph’s plant agriculture department.
They have received nearly $2 million from government and industry, and the soybean breeder said the automotive application is just one of several projects for which the money will be used.
“Probably within two years we could have a variety or varieties,” Rajcan said.
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“What’s different about these lines is that they would reduce the cost of production for polyoil, which is used to make polyurethane.”
Soybean oil is already widely used in the auto industry to make foam for seat cushions, coatings and other materials.
The specialty varieties being developed are to contain a higher level of linoleic acid, which is the fatty acid needed for the process.
Soybean cyst nematode resistance will be another important focus.
The soil-borne pest has been a major concern for growers, and new forms of resistance are needed.
Other objectives include:
- development of food-grade soybeans with higher levels of saponins and/or isoflavones
- high-oil soybeans for biodiesel production
- resistance to white mould
Enhancing yield potential is a key consideration throughout the breeding program. Soybean yields have increased by .8 percent a year over the past 40 years, which is less than half the rate for corn.
Rajcan said there are three main reasons for the difference:
- Corn is a C4 species, which makes it a more efficient photosynthesizer.
- Soybeans produce more protein and oil, which costs the plant more than producing high levels of starch.
- Corn benefits from hybrid vigour while soybeans do not.
Rajcan’s breeding program in-cludes the use of genetic markers, a tool that streamlines the breeding process.
