EDAMAME-VEGETABLE CROP OF THE FUTURE: PRODUCTION CHALLENGES AND CHEMICAL PROFILE

Abstract

Edamame is a vegetable, immature soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) and an excellent plant–based protein source which is low in calories, high in essential amino acids, dietary fibre, phospholipids, vitamins, minerals, and many other bioactive compounds. Secondary metabolites in edamame include various phenolic compounds, isoflavones, and saponins. Besides providing fresh, green and highly nutritious beans as the main product, edamame biomass can be utilized at the same time for animal feeding or as green manure. Germination, seedling emergence and stand establishment are very important initial phases in development that have a great impact on the whole vegetative cycle. Weed management is one of the key elements for reaching full genetic and yield potential. Irrespective that edamame could enrich the soil with N through the N– fixation process, optimal nutrition which includes application of mineral and organic fertilizers, biofertilizers as well as foliar fertilizers are required for successful production. Ensuring timely water supply to edamame is another crucial factor that greatly contributes. Edamame, as a vegetable crop, is highly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, thus optimization and the development of adequate cropping technology are essential for successful production. As nitrogen fixing legume rich in bioactive compounds, with various benefits for human health and suitability for crop rotation, edamame hugely contributes to sustainable agriculture.