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Description
Glycine Max, commonly known as the soybean plant, is a legume that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to East Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years for food, fuel, and industrial purposes. Today, it is grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.The soybean plant is an annual plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It has a taproot system that can reach up to 2 meters deep in the soil. The plant produces small white, pink, or purple flowers that are self-fertile. The flowers give way to green pods that contain 2-4 seeds each.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Glycine |
Appearance
The soybean plant has a bushy appearance with trifoliate leaves that are 6-15 cm long. The leaves are green and pubescent on the underside. The plant produces small white, pink, or purple flowers that are about 1 cm long. The flowers give way to green pods that are 3-8 cm long and 1.5-2 cm wide. The seeds are small, round, and yellow.
Care Guide
Glycine Max is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your soybean plants:Water: Soybean plants require moderate watering. They should be watered regularly, but not overwatered as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Soybean plants require nitrogen-rich fertilizer. It is recommended to use fertilizers with a 3-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Soil: Soybean plants grow best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.Sunlight: Soybean plants require full sun to grow and produce healthy crops.Hardiness Zones: Soybean plants are hardy in zones 3-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Soybean plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:Pests: Aphids, stink bugs, and spider mites can all damage soybean plants by feeding on the leaves and stems.Diseases: Soybean plants can be affected by diseases such as soybean rust, bacterial blight, and soybean mosaic virus.
Habitat
Glycine Max is native to East Asia, but it is now grown in many parts of the world. The plant grows best in warm climates with a long growing season. It is commonly grown in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Question and Answer
Q: Can soybean plants be grown in containers?
A: Yes, soybean plants can be grown in containers, but they will require a larger container as they grow.Q: How long does it take for soybean plants to mature?
A: Soybean plants typically take 80-120 days to mature.Q: Are all soybean plants genetically modified?
A: No, not all soybean plants are genetically modified. However, the majority of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified.Q: Can soybeans be used as a source of biodiesel?
A: Yes, soybeans can be used as a source of biodiesel.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Glycine Max:- Glycine soja- Glycine tabacina- Glycine gracilis- Glycine canescens
References
– “Soybean.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2021.- “Soybean.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Nov. 2021. Web. 19 Nov. 2021.- “Growing Soybeans.” University of Minnesota Extension. Regents of the University of Minnesota, n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2021.
