Research Geared to Solve Production Challenges

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) research program puts soybean checkoff dollars to work by investing in practical, farmer-driven research that helps Illinois growers tackle challenges and seize new opportunities. By partnering with universities, researchers and industry experts, ISA supports projects that provide real-world answers to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability on the farm.

For 2026-2027, ISA is funding 33 soybean production research projects, many of which span multiple years to better understand and solve critical issues affecting the future of Illinois soybean production.

Now available: Download the 2026 Illinois Soybean Research Review to see how your soybean checkoff investment is funding research that solves production challenges on your farm.

Connect with the researchers behind the projects.

Read about projects funded in previous years.

Check out a comprehensive review of last year’s research.

Research Projects

View PDF of the FY26 Research Projects or read the latest results through the Illinois Soybean Research Review.

Looking for research results from previous years? Visit our research archive!

PROJECT

WHY IT MATTERS

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026 Project Budget

Early Detection of Group 15 Waterhemp Resistance

Develop tools to detect Group 15 herbicide resistance in waterhemp before residual control visibly fails, helping farmers distinguish resistance from weather effects and make field specific herbicide decisions that protect early season weed control.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Patrick Tranel
2026
$59,809

PROJECT

Early Detection of Group 15 Waterhemp Resistance

WHY IT MATTERS

Develop tools to detect Group 15 herbicide resistance in waterhemp before residual control visibly fails, helping farmers distinguish resistance from weather effects and make field specific herbicide decisions that protect early season weed control.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Patrick Tranel

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$59,809

Improving Glufosinate Performance for Waterhemp Control

Identify how temperature and herbicide rate affect glufosinate performance on waterhemp to help farmers improve POST control, slow resistance development, and protect one of the last effective herbicide options for soybean production.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Patrick Tranel
2026
$50,000

PROJECT

Improving Glufosinate Performance for Waterhemp Control

WHY IT MATTERS

Identify how temperature and herbicide rate affect glufosinate performance on waterhemp to help farmers improve POST control, slow resistance development, and protect one of the last effective herbicide options for soybean production.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Patrick Tranel

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$50,000

Understanding and Managing Nontarget-Site Herbicide Resistance in Waterhemp

Waterhemp with nontarget-site resistance is one of the biggest weed challenges for Illinois farmers. Using an epidemiological approach with real field histories, this project will identify which management practices best slow resistance so farmers can protect herbicides, maintain yields, and manage waterhemp sustainably.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Patrick Tranel
2026
$19,970 from ISA; Majority funded by USDA

PROJECT

Understanding and Managing Nontarget-Site Herbicide Resistance in Waterhemp

WHY IT MATTERS

Waterhemp with nontarget-site resistance is one of the biggest weed challenges for Illinois farmers. Using an epidemiological approach with real field histories, this project will identify which management practices best slow resistance so farmers can protect herbicides, maintain yields, and manage waterhemp sustainably.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Patrick Tranel

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$19,970 from ISA; Majority funded by USDA

Red Crown Rot Management in Soybeans

Detect red crown rot (RCR) hotspots with satellite imagery, evaluate commercial products, and study how those treatments influence the interaction between RCR and soybean cyst nematode to improve disease management in soybean fields.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Boris X. Camiletti
2025-2026
$93,559

PROJECT

Red Crown Rot Management in Soybeans

WHY IT MATTERS

Detect red crown rot (RCR) hotspots with satellite imagery, evaluate commercial products, and study how those treatments influence the interaction between RCR and soybean cyst nematode to improve disease management in soybean fields.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Boris X. Camiletti

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2025-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$93,559

Improving Soybean Protein Quality Through Genetic and Environmental Characterization

Evaluate genetic variation and environmental effects on amino acid composition in soybean breeding lines to identify stable, high-protein genotypes that meet the nutritional demands of feed and food markets.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Eliana Monteverde
2026
$33,770

PROJECT

Improving Soybean Protein Quality Through Genetic and Environmental Characterization

WHY IT MATTERS

Evaluate genetic variation and environmental effects on amino acid composition in soybean breeding lines to identify stable, high-protein genotypes that meet the nutritional demands of feed and food markets.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Eliana Monteverde

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$33,770

Using Electrically Polarized Nanomaterials to Help Control SCN and SDS in Soybeans

Evaluate electrically polarized nanomaterials as a novel tool to control soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS), building on lab results that show rapid pathogen deactivation and moving into greenhouse trials for further testing.
Southern Illinois University-
Dr. Punit Kohli
2026
$48,643

PROJECT

Using Electrically Polarized Nanomaterials to Help Control SCN and SDS in Soybeans

WHY IT MATTERS

Evaluate electrically polarized nanomaterials as a novel tool to control soybean cyst nematode (SCN) and sudden death syndrome (SDS), building on lab results that show rapid pathogen deactivation and moving into greenhouse trials for further testing.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Southern Illinois University-
Dr. Punit Kohli

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$48,643

Managing Weeds in Early-Planted No-Till Soybeans

Evaluate the effectiveness of PRE and POST herbicide programs, with and without cereal rye, for weed control in early-planted no-till soybeans to help farmers maintain yield and manage resistance under tight application windows.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Aaron Hager
2026
$22,500

PROJECT

Managing Weeds in Early-Planted No-Till Soybeans

WHY IT MATTERS

Evaluate the effectiveness of PRE and POST herbicide programs, with and without cereal rye, for weed control in early-planted no-till soybeans to help farmers maintain yield and manage resistance under tight application windows.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Aaron Hager

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$22,500

Using Integrated Weed Management to Control Waterhemp in Soybeans

Develop integrated weed management strategies that combine cover crops, herbicides, and tillage to control herbicide-resistant waterhemp, protect soybean yields, and support long-term sustainability.
Southern Illinois University-
Dr. Karla Gage
2026
$59,700

PROJECT

Using Integrated Weed Management to Control Waterhemp in Soybeans

WHY IT MATTERS

Develop integrated weed management strategies that combine cover crops, herbicides, and tillage to control herbicide-resistant waterhemp, protect soybean yields, and support long-term sustainability.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Southern Illinois University-
Dr. Karla Gage

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$59,700

Bioherbicides to Control Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp in Soybeans 

Develop and test bioherbicides that specifically target palmer amaranth (pigweed) and waterhemp without harming soybeans, while creating a commercialization roadmap to provide farmers with a cost-effective, sustainable weed control option.
Southern Illinois University-
Dr. Ahmad Fakhoury
2026
$65,000

PROJECT

Bioherbicides to Control Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp in Soybeans 

WHY IT MATTERS

Develop and test bioherbicides that specifically target palmer amaranth (pigweed) and waterhemp without harming soybeans, while creating a commercialization roadmap to provide farmers with a cost-effective, sustainable weed control option.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Southern Illinois University-
Dr. Ahmad Fakhoury

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$65,000

Evaluating the Impact of Cover Crops on Lesion Nematodes in Soybeans

Assess how cover crops influence lesion nematode populations and their impact on soybean yield through field and greenhouse studies, while identifying and evaluating the pathogenicity of different lesion nematode species found in Illinois.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Nathan Schroeder
2026
$34,000

PROJECT

Evaluating the Impact of Cover Crops on Lesion Nematodes in Soybeans

WHY IT MATTERS

Assess how cover crops influence lesion nematode populations and their impact on soybean yield through field and greenhouse studies, while identifying and evaluating the pathogenicity of different lesion nematode species found in Illinois.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Nathan Schroeder

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$34,000

Refining Cover Crop Recommendations for Corn-Soybean Rotations Based on Species and Timing

Compare how different cover crop species and mixtures, combined with two termination timings, affect corn and soybean performance in rotation to help refine regional recommendations for farmers and advisors.
University of Illinois Extension-
Nathan Johanning
2026
$27,781

PROJECT

Refining Cover Crop Recommendations for Corn-Soybean Rotations Based on Species and Timing

WHY IT MATTERS

Compare how different cover crop species and mixtures, combined with two termination timings, affect corn and soybean performance in rotation to help refine regional recommendations for farmers and advisors.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois Extension-
Nathan Johanning

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$27,781

Residue Management and Nutrient Value for Soybean Production

Tracking the release of nitrogen and sulfur from corn, wheat, and cereal rye residue for soybean uptake, while also evaluating how tillage and biologicals affect the rate and amount of nutrient release.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Andrew Margenot
2025-2026
$85,418

PROJECT

Residue Management and Nutrient Value for Soybean Production

WHY IT MATTERS

Tracking the release of nitrogen and sulfur from corn, wheat, and cereal rye residue for soybean uptake, while also evaluating how tillage and biologicals affect the rate and amount of nutrient release.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Andrew Margenot

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2025-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$85,418

Evaluation of a Targeted Conservation Plan in the Lake Bloomington Watershed

Analyze water quality data from Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake watersheds to identify nutrient loss hot spots and provide farmers with targeted resources to support adoption of conservation practices such as cover crops.
Purdue University-
Dr. Shalamar Armstrong
2025-2026
$123,250

PROJECT

Evaluation of a Targeted Conservation Plan in the Lake Bloomington Watershed

WHY IT MATTERS

Analyze water quality data from Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake watersheds to identify nutrient loss hot spots and provide farmers with targeted resources to support adoption of conservation practices such as cover crops.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Purdue University-
Dr. Shalamar Armstrong

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2025-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$123,250

Diversifying Genetic Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode

Developing new soybean varieties with stacked SCN resistance genes, giving farmers more options to rotate and better manage SCN in their fields.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Eliana Monteverde
2025-2026
$56,962

PROJECT

Diversifying Genetic Resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematode

WHY IT MATTERS

Developing new soybean varieties with stacked SCN resistance genes, giving farmers more options to rotate and better manage SCN in their fields.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Eliana Monteverde

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2025-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$56,962

Using Genetic Engineering to Help Control Soybean Cyst Nematode

Using genetic engineering, including CRISPR, to find new ways to reduce SCN reproduction and survival, with lab testing to identify the best options.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Matthew Hudson
2025-2026
$75,942

PROJECT

Using Genetic Engineering to Help Control Soybean Cyst Nematode

WHY IT MATTERS

Using genetic engineering, including CRISPR, to find new ways to reduce SCN reproduction and survival, with lab testing to identify the best options.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Matthew Hudson

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2025-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$75,942

Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Testing for Illinois Farmers

Offer free SCN soil sampling to help farmers determine presence, population levels, and response to available soybean resistance sources.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Nathan Schroeder
2024-2026
$59,072

PROJECT

Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Testing for Illinois Farmers

WHY IT MATTERS

Offer free SCN soil sampling to help farmers determine presence, population levels, and response to available soybean resistance sources.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Nathan Schroeder

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2024-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$59,072

Measuring How Insect Pests Impact Yields and the Value of Pest Control Products

Understanding which insect pests affect soybean yields and how often pest control products deliver a profitable return in Illinois fields.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Nicholas Seiter
2024-2026
$86,323

PROJECT

Measuring How Insect Pests Impact Yields and the Value of Pest Control Products

WHY IT MATTERS

Understanding which insect pests affect soybean yields and how often pest control products deliver a profitable return in Illinois fields.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Nicholas Seiter

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2024-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$86,323

Enhancing the Profitability of Wheat-Soybean Double Cropping

Characterizing and developing new high-yielding winter wheat varieties with early maturity – an important trait that enables earlier planting of double-crop soybeans to maximize yield potential.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Jessica Rutkoski
2024-2026
$26,222

PROJECT

Enhancing the Profitability of Wheat-Soybean Double Cropping

WHY IT MATTERS

Characterizing and developing new high-yielding winter wheat varieties with early maturity – an important trait that enables earlier planting of double-crop soybeans to maximize yield potential.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Jessica Rutkoski

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2024-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$26,222

Evaluating Leaf Nutrient Tissue Testing and Relation to Soybean Grain Yield

Determine which nutrients and in what quantities are remobilized within soybean plants through tissue testing to improve the accuracy and timing of in-season nutrient recommendations and maximize yield.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Connor Sible
Dr. Fred Below
2024-2026
$53,163

PROJECT

Evaluating Leaf Nutrient Tissue Testing and Relation to Soybean Grain Yield

WHY IT MATTERS

Determine which nutrients and in what quantities are remobilized within soybean plants through tissue testing to improve the accuracy and timing of in-season nutrient recommendations and maximize yield.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Connor Sible
Dr. Fred Below

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2024-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$53,163

Evaluation and Commercialization of SOYLEICâ„¢ Varieties in Illinois

Develop high-yielding, Illinois-adapted non-GMO soybeans with improved oil quality to expand soybean oil markets, create new contracting opportunities, and increase long-term demand and value for Illinois-grown soybeans.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Eliana Monteverde
2022-2026
$67,556

PROJECT

Evaluation and Commercialization of SOYLEICâ„¢ Varieties in Illinois

WHY IT MATTERS

Develop high-yielding, Illinois-adapted non-GMO soybeans with improved oil quality to expand soybean oil markets, create new contracting opportunities, and increase long-term demand and value for Illinois-grown soybeans.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Eliana Monteverde

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2022-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$67,556

Integrated Management Strategies for Maximizing Soybean Production in Conservation Tillage Systems

Assess how soil type, starter fertilizer, tillage, and row spacing affect soybean growth, nutrient uptake, yield, and seed quality to help farmers plant into heavy residue without sacrificing performance.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes
2024-2026
$98,124

PROJECT

Integrated Management Strategies for Maximizing Soybean Production in Conservation Tillage Systems

WHY IT MATTERS

Assess how soil type, starter fertilizer, tillage, and row spacing affect soybean growth, nutrient uptake, yield, and seed quality to help farmers plant into heavy residue without sacrificing performance.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2024-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$98,124

Measuring Soil Health, Water Quality, and Climate Impact on Illinois Soybeans

Measuring soil health, nutrient loss, carbon sequestration, and GHG emissions across cropping systems to better understand how conservation practices impact productivity and environmental outcomes across different rotations and regions.
University of Illinois-
Dr. Andrew Margenot
2023-2026
$182,179

PROJECT

Measuring Soil Health, Water Quality, and Climate Impact on Illinois Soybeans

WHY IT MATTERS

Measuring soil health, nutrient loss, carbon sequestration, and GHG emissions across cropping systems to better understand how conservation practices impact productivity and environmental outcomes across different rotations and regions.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois-
Dr. Andrew Margenot

FISCAL YEAR(S)

2023-2026

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$182,179

North Central Soybean Research Program

Fund soybean production research and extension outreach in the north central region of the United States.
Multiple universities-
Multi-Year
$150,000

PROJECT

North Central Soybean Research Program

WHY IT MATTERS

Fund soybean production research and extension outreach in the north central region of the United States.

INSTITUTION/PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Multiple universities-

FISCAL YEAR(S)

Multi-Year

2026 PROJECT BUDGET

$150,000

Are you a farmer or advisor?

If you’re a farmer or advisor, we invite you to take our Growing Concerns Survey linked below to help guide future ISA research efforts. We also encourage you to contact us below with specific production challenge research ideas.

CONTACT US      TAKE OUR SURVEY

CONTACT US

TAKE OUR SURVEY

Are you a researcher?

If you’re a researcher interested in working with ISA on a project, we encourage you to contact us with your ideas. The RFP will open in early March. Contact us below to be added to the mailing list for more information.

CONTACT US      LEARN MORE

CONTACT US

LEARN MORE

Research Archive

View research results from previous years.