Breeding soybeans to the low latitudes of Brazilian Cerrados (Savannahs)

Abstract

The breeding of soybeans is among the great contributions of research to expand agriculture in the low latitudes of the Brazilian Cerrados (Savannahs). The main factor that prevented their incorporation into farming was the predominantly Al-rich low fertile soils. Soil improvement techniques were developed, but there was a virtual lack of adapted varieties. The progress in soybean breeding has led this low latitude region to contribute with more than 40% of the national production, pioneering modern large scale soybean cultivation. 'FT-Cristalina', 'Doko', 'EMGOPA-301', 'Numbaira', 'BR-9 (Savana)', 'BR-15 (Mate Grosso)' and 'BR-40 (Itiquira)' are examples of varieties selected to suit the farming systems. The programme has been carried on to select genotypes for high yield and good seed quality; first pod and plant heights suitable to combine harvest; different maturity groupings to allow sowing and harvest planning to minimize field grain and seed loss; tolerance to aluminium and efficient nutrient utilization; resistance to potential epidemic diseases; resistance to insects; and adaptability to farming systems. The breeding methods and their improvement to enhance efficiency in the acquisition of cultivars are presented.