Abiola

Soybean

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'Neptune', 'Ajico', 'OAC Evolution' and 'Albenga'

Summary: When the cotyledons are completely unfolded, the hypocotyl of 'Abiola' has a medium intensity of anthocyanin while anthocyanin colouration is strong for 'Neptune'. When 50% of the flowers are open, the growth type of 'Abiola' is determinate whereas it is indeterminate for all reference varieties. The branch attitude of 'Abiola' is erect to semi-erect whereas it is semi-erect to horizontal for 'Ajico'. The terminal and lateral leaflets of 'Abiola' are medium sized whereas they are small for 'Neptune', 'OAC Evolution' and 'Albenga'. The intensity of green colour of the leaf of 'Abiola' is medium whereas it is dark for 'Neptune'. When 95% of the pods are ripe, the intensity of brown colour of the pod of 'Abiola' is medium to dark whereas it is light for 'Ajico'. The plants of 'Abiola' are shorter than those of 'OAC Evolution' and 'Albenga'. At maturity, the one hundred seed weight of 'Abiola' is less than that of 'Neptune' and greater than that of 'Albenga'. The seed shape of 'Abiola' is spherical flattened whereas it is elongated for 'Neptune' and 'Albenga'. The seed of 'Abiola' has an intermediate glossiness whereas the seed of 'Neptune' and 'Albenga' it is opaque. The plants of 'Abiola' mature earlier than the plants of 'OAC Evolution' and 'Albenga'.

Description:

HYPOCOTYL: medium intensity of anthocyanin colouration

PLANT: determinate growth type, erect to semi-erect branch attitude, tawny pubescence on middle third of main stem, begins flowering early, matures early to mid season

LEAF: medium degree of blistering, medium green upper side
TERMINAL LEAFLET: ovoid, medium size
LATERAL LEAFLET: rounded ovate, medium size

FLOWER: violet

POD: medium to dark brown
SEED: medium size, spherical flattened, yellow ground colour of testa with intermediate glaucosity
HILUM: yellow

Origin & Breeding History: 'Abiola' originated from a cross between the varieties 'SY Livius' and 'SY Mentor' conducted in 2012 in Probstdorf, Austria using the pedigree method of plant breeding. From 2012 to 2015 four generations were advanced by single pod decent method, line selection and yield testing. Selection criteria included yield, seed quality traits and lodging resistance. 'Abiola' was selected in the F4 generation. Breeder seed was generated from eighteen selected F8 lines in 2019.

Tests & Trials: The comparative trials for 'Abiola' conducted in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Trials were planted in a RCB design and consisted of 3 replicates for each variety. Plots consisted of 3 rows, 5 metres in length and a row spacing of 56 cm. The trial consisted of 400 plants per variety. Measured characteristics were based on 20 measurements per variety per year. Mean differences were significant at the 5% confidence probability level based on a paired Student's t-test.

Comparison tables for 'Abiola' with reference varieties 'Neptune', 'Ajico', 'OAC Evolution' and 'Albenga'

Plant height (cm)

Seed weight (grams per 100 seeds) (g)

Number of days to maturity (from planting to maturity)

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Soybean: 'Abiola' (centre) with reference varieties 'Neptune' (far left), 'Ajico' (left), 'OAC Evolution' (right) and 'Albenga' (far right)

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Soybean: 'Abiola' (centre) with reference varieties 'Neptune' (top left), 'Ajico' (top right), 'Albenga' (bottom right) and 'OAC Evolution' (bottom left)

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Soybean: 'Abiola' (centre) with reference varieties 'Neptune' (top left), 'Ajico' (top right), 'Albenga' (bottom right) and 'OAC Evolution' (bottom left)