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

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