Influence of Etched Seed Coats and Environmental Conditions on Soybean Seed Quality¹

Abstract

Environmental factors prevalent during the growing season in Kansas frequently result in soybean ([Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed with a high incidence of seed‐coat etching. This seed‐coat condition has been associated with seedlots which have low germination and vigor ratings. However, seedlots free of any seedcoat etching have also exhibited low levels of germination and vigor. Since the impact etching had on the performance of a soybean seedlot was unclear, this study was conducted to examine the effect of etched seed coats on the durability of soybean seed and to determine if the incidence of etching could be reduced through supplemental irrigation or a delayed planting. Seedlots of etched seeds generally were found to have 18% lower germination and were more susceptible to damage from low drop heights than were non‐etched seedlots. Handling, as simulated by the drop heights, at low moisture ilevels and low temperatures tended to cause greater amounts of damage in etched seedlots as compared with non‐etched seedlots. Supplemental irrigation did not influence the incidence of seed‐coat etching. Supplemental irrigation did increase warm germination scores by about 2%. During the hot, dry growing season of 1980 delayed planting increased the warm germination of four early maturing genotypes. However, the improvement in seed germination was accompanied by a threefold increase in the amount of etching. During the cooler and wetter growing season of 1981, date of planting did not influence the incidence of seed‐coat etching. These results emphasized the need for careful handling of soybean seed, especially lots. exhibiting the etched seed‐coat condition, but failed to identify an environment that would reduce the severity of seed‐coat etching.

A QTL associated with high seed coat cracking rate of a leading Japanese soybean variety

“…First, SCC spoils the appearance of soybean seed and sometimes affects bean curd (tofu) yield and quality (Hou and Chang 1998), thereby causing price decline. Second, SCC affects the germination and vigor of seed (Burchett et al 1985, Thomison et al 1989. Soybean SCC rate varies with both environmental conditions and the genetic background of the cultivar (Burchett et al 1985, Okabe 1996.…”

“…Second, SCC affects the germination and vigor of seed (Burchett et al 1985, Thomison et al 1989. Soybean SCC rate varies with both environmental conditions and the genetic background of the cultivar (Burchett et al 1985, Okabe 1996. As cultivation methods to avoid cracking have not been established, genetic improvement to reduce SCC is very important.…”

Soybean yield, yield components, seed quality, dehydrin-like proteins, soluble sugars, and mineral nutrients in response to drought stress imposed prior to severe stress

“…Irrigation did not influence the incidence of seed coat etching but increased germination by 2% (Burchett et al, 1985). In this study, Burchett et al (1985) failed to identify the environmental conditions that caused seed-coat etching.…”

“…High seed coat etching resulted in lower seed germination (Burchett et al 1985). Burchett et al (1985) found that etched coat seeds had lower warm germination by about 18% across years, locations, and genotypes. Etched seeds, with low moisture content (8%),…”