Potential of vegetable soybean cultivation in Lithuania

The objective of the present study was to investigate the potential of vegetable soybean (Edamame) cultivation in Lithuania. Six soybean varieties were grown in an open field. Our data showed that the plants of the ‘Chiba Green’ variety were the shortest. Such plants had higher chlorophyll index and photosynthesis intensity. Variety ‘Midori Giant’ had more branches than plants of other varieties. The highest yield was produced by the plants of the ‘Chiba Green’ variety. Higher protein content was found in beans of the ‘Chiba Green’ variety. However, there were no differences found in soluble carbohydrates and micro- and macroelement contents between the varieties. In summary, the results revealed that of the tested varieties, the most suitable and useful for the cultivation under Lithuanian climate conditions was the ‘Chiba Green’ vegetable soybean variety.