Soybeans were scouted at the R8 growth stage and bright green stems were observed with mature pods. These were MG4 soybeans in research plots planted in mid-April.
Conclusion
This issue was confirmed by an NC State Extension Specialist as Soybean Green Stem. Green stem is a term for a soybean plant with non-normal senescence resulting in the stem remaining green when generally other parts of the plant have senesced (deteriorated with age). Soybean green stem can vary from year-to-year and variety-to-variety. A potential issues related to green stem includes reduced harvesting efficiency.