Soybean is a source of vegetable proteins

Abstract

The acute dietary protein deficiency takes place in many countries. To completely eliminate protein deficiency with livestock products is impossible in near future. The introduction of high-protein crops into a diet, in particular, soybean can partially address the problem. The article analyzes the consumption of basic foodstuffs per capita per year in Ryazan oblast, demonstrates the possibility of replacing animal protein with vegetable protein. The Ryazan Research Institute of Agriculture works on selection and seed production of soybean. The main research activity is aimed at selecting early ripening varieties for grain, food and feed use. Such soybean varieties as "Mageva”, "Okskaya”, "Svetlaya”, "Kasatka” and "Georgia” were created in the Institute and entered the Russian Register of Selection Achievements. These varieties are characterized by the yield of 1.7-3.2 t/ha, protein content of 37-44%, and fat content of 17-19% and capacity to ripen under the conditions of the region. The vegetation period of the varieties is 76-110 days. The analysis of protein productivity and quality of "Mageva”, "Svetlaya” and "Kasatka” showed that these varieties can be used as processing products for food consumption. The studies conducted in RSAU-MTAA or RSAU-MAA named after K.A. Timiryazev showed that in comparison with traditional varieties, "Mageva” possesses a unique property, low trypsin inhibitor activity. The selected varieties also indicate the possibility and necessity of expanding the range of soybean cultivation to 56N and using these varieties in order to address the problem of protein deficiency.