NDSU Published 2026 Soybean Chlorosis Tolerance Data
North Dakota producers can use these ratings to inform seed selection for the upcoming 2027 growing season.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Agriculture
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North Dakota State University released its 2026 iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance scores for 90 different soybean varieties. The study provides critical guidance for farmers operating in fields prone to the condition.
Why it matters
Cool and wet conditions across central North Dakota during the 2026 season created high-pressure environments for chlorosis, making these tolerance scores a vital tool for managing crop health and yield risks in the next cycle.
Researchers tested 90 soybean varieties, including Enlist, GT27, Roundup Ready, Xtend, and conventional types, using a standardized 1 to 5 scale where 1 indicates no symptoms and 5 indicates severe chlorosis.
The players
North Dakota State University
A public research institution that provides agricultural guidance and testing services to the state's farming industry.
North Dakota Soybean Council
A state commodity group that provides funding and support for research initiatives aimed at improving soybean production efficiency.
The details
The university conducted replicated trials across three soybean growth stages in locations with a known history of iron deficiency chlorosis. Researchers relied on visual assessments to assign ratings, documenting how different genetic lines handled the environmental stress of the 2026 season. These findings allow operators to cross-reference variety traits with their own field history to mitigate input losses next year.
Timeline
NDSU conducted iron deficiency chlorosis tolerance trials during the Summer 2026 season.
Producers can utilize the released performance data for the 2027 growing season.
Market Landscape
This data release follows the established pattern of the North Dakota State University variety testing program, which provides annual agronomic performance metrics. The study offers a standardized benchmark that helps producers navigate the diverse array of commercial soybean genetic lines.
Producers should audit their current field soil history to identify plots with high chlorosis pressure before finalizing seed orders for 2027. Comparing these tolerance scores against past site-specific performance will help optimize variety placement.
The takeaway
Selecting the right seed variety based on known soil limitations is a primary lever for managing input costs and yield stability. Producers should incorporate these numerical ratings into their seed selection process for the 2027 season.
Further reading
For more information on state crop performance and management, visit the Agriculture section.
More information
Review the full dataset of soybean variety iron chlorosis test results on the university portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Roundup.
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