Research Highlights

A Visual Guide to Soybean Growth Stages

by Shawn Conley, University of Wisconsin

View A Visual Guide to Soybean Growth Stages

There are two methods used to determine the vegetative growth stages of soybean. Although they use different techniques, the resulting growth stage determination is the same, and it’s helpful to understand how both work and be familiar with the terminology.

1. Hybrid Method (P. Pedersen). This method is commonly used in the field and in grower publications. It counts the number of open trifoliolate leaves on the main stem.

2. Fehr and Caviness Method. This method is used in academic settings and journal articles. Beginning with the unifoliolate nodes, it counts the number of nodes on the main stem that have or have had a fully developed leaf. A leaf is considered fully developed and the node is counted when the leaf at the node immediately above it is open.

Published: Oct 12, 2017