Soybean varieties differ in significant characteristics that may not affect their performances. Tables 8A-8E give the general characteristics of most varieties grown in Mississippi.
Flowering...Varieties of Group IV maturity generally display an indeterminate growth habit. This means that a large portion of their vegetative growth occurs after flowering begins. In contrast, varieties of Groups V, VI, and VII display a determinate growth habit, where most of the vegetative growth occurs before flowering. The date of first flower normally occurs much earlier with Group IV varieties than with Groups V, VI, and VII varieties.
Soybean flower petals are purple or white. The flower color is controlled strictly by genetics, and only one flower color occurs in a pure variety.
Pubescence and Hilum Color...Brown (tawny) and gray are the basic pubescence (hair) colors found among varieties. Varying pod-wall colors result in different intensities of mature pod colors.
The "eye" of the seed is called a hilum, or point of attachment to the pod, and it differs in color by variety.
Seed Size...There is no relationship between inherited seed size and seed yield. A small-seeded variety may yield as much as or more than a large-seeded variety. The average seed per pound for different varieties is shown in Tables 8A-8E, but this is subject to seasonal variation. Knowing the number of seed per pound is important in determining the amount of seed needed for planting. Fewer pounds are required for small-seeded varieties than for large-seeded varieties. Your county Extension office has a publication (information sheet 1194) that deals with seeding rates and plant populations.