Colossus LJ Forage Soybeans

Product Description

A maturity group 7 forage soybean with the Long Juvenile trait. It is shorter in height than Titan, very bushy and an outstanding grain yielder. Fast canopy development aids with weed suppression. The grain yields from this variety are excellent, all without compromising forage production. The Long Juvenile trait was first recognized in wild soybeans growing in the low latitudes of the tropics. The trait allows the plant to be less sensitive to the length of daylight and stay in the vegetative period for longer periods of time. A distinctive benefit for preserving palatability and digestibility in forage soybeans.

Colossus LJ Seeds

Colossus Long Juvenile (LJ) is the first of its kind to combine the long juvenile trait and glyphosate technology in a forage soybean (i.e, Roundup Ready).  Specialty Seed Inc. is always working to improve forage soybean varieties and to solve production problems for farmers and wildlife managers.

What Is the Soybean Long Juvenile Trait? 

The short explanation is, it allows the soybean plant to be less daylight length sensitive for forage production and seed yield.  Colossus LJ can be planted later than other forage soybean varieties and not experience a forage or grain yield drag as significant as non-long juvenile traited soybean varieties. The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on June 21, the summer solstice, and Colossus LJ does not experience the yield loss of non-long juvenile varieties planted after June 21.

Soybeans are a photoperiod sensitive crop.  Soybeans are native to Asia and occur there in the wild.  They have been introduced into other countries as a source of protein for livestock and humans.  There were varieties in the wilds of Asia that did not exhibit lower biomass or grain yields when germination occurred during shorter daylight length.  These varieties were studied and the Long Juvenile trait was identified.  This was a significant discovery.  It is believed the Long Juvenile trait contributes to 23.7% of the world soybean production.  It allows soybeans to be grown in areas where they normally could not be grown with good yields.      

Best Growing Forage Soybean Varieties

Colossus LJ is an excellent performer when planted early too.  But if you want yield insurance at no additional cost, just in case you are planting later than your optimal window, Colossus LJ is a great choice!  Colossus LJ is glyphosate tolerant variety and glyphosate can be used to control weeds along with many more herbicide choices.   

Colossus is a maturity group VII forage soybean variety (MG VII).  It will stay palatable longer than short growing season, ag-type soybean varieties. It performs well as a forage variety anywhere soybeans are grown.  In areas where the growing season is shorter than southern latitudes, Colossus LJ will stay green and palatable for the entire growing season.  In southern states, Colossus LJ makes a great bow hunting food plot as it will stay green for bow season.

Forage Soybean to Attract Deer, Waterfowl & Livestock

Colossus LJ is a great grain producer too! This forage variety does not sacrifice forage yield for grain yield.  They both are good.  Colossus LJ is a great variety to leave as a standing attractant during the fall and winter months due to deer relishing its grain.  The grain is a high protein attractant, up to 42% protein.  A great fall deer food plot is to broadcast ForageXtreme wheat into the Colossus soybeans when the soybean plant’s leaves are turning yellow.  The ForageXtreme wheat seed will germinate on the ground with adequate moisture.  The soybean’s leaves falling will provide cover to the wheat seed and aid in the wheat’s growth.  Deer feel secure when standing in the field of Colossus during the summer and winter.  During the winter they are able to feed on ForageXtreme wheat on the ground and soybean seed the entire height of the plant.      

Colossus is not prone to shatter or lodging.  It has been observed holding its seed in the pod all winter and into the spring.  The pod does not pop open like ag varieties will.  By protecting the seed from the elements, it does not decay quickly.  This trait makes it a great choice for planting it for waterfowl. Ducks love soybean seed.  Colossus can be a dual purpose wildlife planting for both ducks and deer.  They can feed deer during the summer and winter, and ducks are highly attracted to them during the winter.   

Colossus LJ make great livestock forage too.  They can be grazed while growing, baled for hay or green chopped.  They make great feed for dairy farmers, beef producers, goat and sheep farmers.   

Double Cropping and Late Soybeans

Double cropping or ultra-late soybeans? Colossus LJ is a great choice.  The long juvenile trait is insurance to guard against grain yield loss.  Solid grain yield plus the long juvenile trait will put you in position for high yields when planting double crop soybeans behind wheat, or ultra-late soybeans behind a corn crop.  

Planting Rate for Colossus LJ Soybean

Soybean Planting Rate: 1 bag per acre when drilled or 1.5 bags per acre if broadcast.  If you are wanting a smaller stem for livestock forage or if you have a high deer population, you will want to increase your planting rate.    

Inoculant for Colossus LJ Soybean: Strain S  - If soybeans have never been planted before in the field or if it has been 3 years or longer since soybeans have been planted, inoculating the soybeans is recommended.  Inoculants are cheap insurance!