The mission of our research is to develop varieties and germplasm with enhanced yield potential, pest resistance, and improved chemical composition.

The program carries out soybean breeding research to meet the following objectives:

• Conduct a field-breeding program to improve soybean germplasm adapted for production in the Midwest that includes evaluation of breeding lines at several locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.
• Apply new technical advancements in soybean breeding methodology to improve genetic gain per year and shorten development time.
• Develop adapted germplasm lines with resistance to soybean cyst nematode, Phytophthora root rot, sudden death syndrome, and white mold that also carry enhanced meal and oil quality traits.
• Develop commodity soybean varieties with clear hila and additional protein.
• Develop specialty varieties with characteristics appropriate for soy food applications.
• Develop commodity soybean varieties with disease resistance and tolerance to Roundup® herbicide.

Most Significant Publications:
LeRoy, A.R., W.R. Fehr, and S.R. Cianzio. 1991. Introgression of Genes for Small Seed Size From Glycine soja into Glycine max, Crop Sci. 31, 1991: 693-697.

LeRoy, A.R., S.R. Cianzio, and W.R. Fehr. 1991. Direct and Indirect Selection for Small Seed of Soybean in Temperate and Tropical Environments, Crop Sci. 31, 1991: 697-699.

Professional Experience:
Department of Agronomy, Purdue University, 2000-present
Soybean Quality Traits Project Leader, Asgrow (Monsanto), Ames, IA  1993 to 1999
Soybean Quality Traits Breeder, Asgrow Seed Company, Isabela, PR  1991 to 1993

Education:
B.Sc. - California Polytechnic State University, San Louis Obispo, CA
M.Sc. - University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Ph.D. - Iowa State University, Ames, IA 

To learn where you can Purchase Purdue Soybean Varieties, contact:

Mr. Jon Stafford
Agricultural Alumni Seed
Improvement Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 158
Romney, IN  47981

Phone: 1-800-822-7134  or
(765) 538-3145
Fax: (765) 538-3600
E-mail:  agalumni@agalumniseed.com

Date joined staff:  March 2000