Home > Glossary

Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Relative Height

The height a soybean plant achieves is dependent on several factors including planting date, row width, maturity of the soybean for the area, growing conditions and genetic ability. The Relative Height given for each soybean is expressed in five categories: S = Short, MS = Moderately Short, M = Medium/Average, MT = Moderately Tall, T = Tall. This score indicates the height each soybean achieves in a given area relative to other soybeans of the same maturity.

Relative Maturity

Soybean maturities will vary from one year to the next depending on growing conditions. Some soybeans are more heat sensitive than others, therefore, during an extremely hot year these soybeans mature earlier than normal. All soybeans are photo-period sensitive and will mature according to night length. This is why a one week delay in planting results in only a 1 to 2 day delay in maturity. The Relative Maturity assigned each soybean product reflects its maturity in relationship to other soybeans, i.e., a soybean with a Relative Maturity of 29 is 2 days later than a soybean with a Relative Maturity of 27 and 2 days earlier than one with a Relative Maturity of 31. The Relative Maturity also indicates the position of the soybean in its maturity zone, i.e., a soybean with a Relative Maturity of 29 is a Group II maturity and is 90% of the way through the Group II maturity zone.

Root

This score reflects the ability of a hybrid’s root system to keep the plant erect, especially under wet conditions.

Root Knot Nematode

This is a parasitic worm that is most prevalent in areas of hot summers and short winters.  Root-knot nematode larva infect plant roots causing the development of root-knot galls that drain the plant's photosynthate and nutrients limiting root development and decreasing yield.

Scores in these categories are based on field observations and may or may not predict or indicate actual field performance. Actual results may vary depending on conditions.