CLEMSON, S.C. — Identifying soybean growth stages is essential for proper crop management of pests, irrigation, and fertility. This guide will help growers, consultants, extension, and research personnel correctly identify soybean growth stages in both determinate and indeterminate soybean varieties.
Generally, soybean growth and development can be divided into vegetative (V) and reproductive (R) growth stages. However, soybean can be broken into two different growth habits: indeterminate and determinate. Indeterminate cultivars continue vegetative growth even after reproductive growth has been initiated and are classified as maturity groups (MG) 000–IV. In contrast, determinate cultivars cease vegetative growth once reproductive growth begins and are classified as MGs V–X.
Each growth stage starts when at least 50% of plants in the field or area are at that stage. Vegetative growth stages start with soybean emergence, and reproductive growth stages begin with the first flower for all soybean cultivars.
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–Clemson Extension Land Grant Press