Genetic variability for cold tolerance in soybeans has been reported by a number of researchers (Hillsman et al., 1977; Holmberg, 1973; Hume and Jackson, 1981; Hwang, 1979; Lambert, 1978, Littlejohns and Tanner, 1976; Spehar, 1977). Selection experiments for cold tolerance generally have pur-sued either vigorous germination and emergence or success in flowering and pod set. Neither is fully understood, although they appear to be indepen-dent of each other (Holmberg, 1973; Hume, personal communication).