Jinyuan 601 a Novel High-Protein Soybean Variety with Improved Agronomic Traits and Nutritional Quality

The global demand for high-protein soybeans is rapidly increasing, driven by the growing popularity of healthy foods and plant-based protein products. To address this demand, a novel high-protein soybean variety, Jinyuan 601, was developed through a systematic breeding program. This study details the breeding process, agronomic characteristics, and performance evaluation of Jinyuan 601, which was derived from a cross between Heihe YX10-534 (female parent) and Heihe No. 45 (male parent). The variety was selected over multiple generations (F₂-F₇) and stabilized as Heihe 18-250, demonstrating excellent quality, upright stalks, and resistance to diseases and pests. Jinyuan 601 exhibits a protein content of 43.66% and a fat content of 17.21%, meeting the standard for high-protein soybeans (≥43% protein). It has a growth period of 111 days, with a plant height of 93.2 cm, and shows moderate resistance to soybean mosaic virus (SMV). Yield trials conducted over two years (2021-2022) produced an average of 2292 kg ha^-1, representing a 3.0% increase over the control variety (Huajiang No. 2). This variety holds significant potential for applications in health foods, plant-based products, and sustainable agriculture, contributing to food security and reducing reliance on soybean imports.