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Guide to Soybean Growth Stages

Filed Under:
Publication Number: P4028
View as PDF: P4028.pdf

 Vegetative Growth Stages

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VE Cotyledons emerged through the soil surface.
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VC Cotyledons and unifoliate leaves fully expanded.
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V1 One node with fully developed trifoliate leaves.
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V2 Two nodes with fully developed trifoliate leaves.
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V3 Three nodes with fully developed trifoliate leaves.
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V(n) (n) number of nodes with fully developed trifoliate leaves.

Reproductive Growth Stages

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RFirst flower anywhere on the plant.
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RA flower at one of the two uppermost nodes.
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R3/16-inch-long pod in one of the upper four nodes.
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R3/4-inch-long pod in one of the upper four nodes.
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RBeginning of seed development with seed 1/8 inch long in a pod at one of the upper four nodes.
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RFull seed with pod containing seed that completely fill the pod cavity at one of the upper four nodes.
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R6.5 Pod containing seed that completely separate from the protective membrane of the pod wall at one of the upper four nodes.
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ROne pod of mature color anywhere on the main stem.
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RFull maturity: 95% of pods have reached mature pod color. Additional drying time needed before reaching seed moisture content desired for harvest.

Publication 4028 (POD-07-24)

By Trent Irby, PhD, Extension Associate Director and Professor; Brittany Elliott, Extension Associate II; Garrett Oswalt, Extension Associate II; and Paul O’Neal, Extension Technician, Plant and Soil Sciences.

Department: Plant and Soil Sciences
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Authors

Portrait of Dr. Trent Irby
Associate Director & Professor
Extension Associate II
Extension Associate II
Extension Technician

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Portrait of Dr. Trent Irby
Associate Director & Professor