Grade-lowering levels of green seed is showing up in some of the soybeans being harvested in Manitoba.
Manitoba Agriculture’s pulse crop specialist Dennis Lange is advising farmers who haven’t harvested to take samples to see if they have the problem and how bad it is. Those with green seeded soybeans should consider delaying harvest a bit.
Delaying harvest has reduced the percentage of green seeds in Ontario fields, Lange said at press time Monday.
Lang also recommends farmers with green seeded soybeans consult with their buyers. The green seed tolerance in No. 2 soybeans is three per cent, Lange said.
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“Some farmers have five, eight and even up to 20 per cent green seed,“ he said.
This is a new problem for Manitoba soybeans and is different than the puffy, soft green seeded soybeans that sometimes show up, Lange said.
The puffy, green seeds are immature with a high moisture content and the green in those seeds typically disappears in storage.
The green colour in mature, dry soybeans doesn’t disappear in storage, Lange said.
The problem was caused by this year’s hot, dry weather much of the growing season, he said.
In addition to green seeds, many Manitoba soybean growers are experiencing below normal yields, mostly due to insufficient moisture during July and August.
