Seed Growth Characteristics of Soybean Genotypes Differing in Duration of Seed Fill¹

Abstract

Seed growth and development is an important part of the yield production process in grain crops. Experiments were conducted in the field for 2 yr to determine the seed growth characteristics of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes that varied widely the duration of seed fill. Fifty‐nine genotypes were grown in 1982 on a Donerail silt loam soil (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudolls) and measurements of seed growth rate (SGR), final seed size (FSS), and effective filling period (EFP) were made. The 59 genotypes exhibited a wide range in SGR, FSS, and EFP. Although SGR and FSS were significantly correlated (r = 0.76**, significant at the 0.01 probability level), subsets of genotypes could be identified that exhibited a wide range in FSS with no variation in SGR. In 1983, seven genotypes (six plant introductions and one cultivar) were selected, on the basis of the 1982 data, to have a relatively similar SGR but a wide range in FSS and EFP. These genotypes were grown on a Maury silt loam soil (fine, mixed, mesic Typic Palendalfs). Fruit samples were taken at weekly intervals to characterize seed development. Cotyledon cell numbers were measured on selected cultivars in 1982 and 1983. For genotypes that differed in EFP, the patterns of dry matter accumulation and seed moisture changes with time were similar to those previously reported. The number of cotyledon cells per unit mass of seed decreased as FSS increased indicating that differences in cell size were associated with the differences in seed size in these genotypes. These data indicate that variation in FSS among genotypes can be associated with either variation in SGR and/or filling period duration.

Soybean (Glycine max) seed growth characteristics in response to light enrichment and shading

“…Previous research also showed that seed growth rate in soybean, rather than filling duration, was positively correlated with seed size (Egli et al 1981, Guldan andBrun 1985). In contrast to the above results, Swank et al (1987) reported that a close relationship between final seed size and seed growth rate does not hold true for all soybean genotypes. They found that a variation in the duration of seed fill also made a significant contribution to differences in seed size.…”

“…The number of cotyledon cells was estimated using the method of Swank et al (1987). Seeds were dried for 24 hours (70°C) and were then allowed to imbibe water for 8-10 hours, after which the testa and embryo axis were carefully removed.…”

Genetic and Environmental Variations and Associations of the Characters Related to the Grain-Filling Process in Rice Cultivars

“…The rate and duration of the grain-filling process in cereal crops, which characterize the grain development after anthesis and determine the final grain weight, apparently show wide variations among genotypes (Sofield et al, 1977 ;Jones et al, 1979;Poneleit et al, 1980;Scott et al, 1983 ;Swank et al, 1987 ;Kato, 1989), environmental conditions (Yoshida and Hara, 1977;Chowdhury and Wardlaw, 1978), and also grain positions in a spike or a panicle (Nagato, 1941;Simmons and Crookston, 1979;Scott et al, 1983;Kato, 1993).…”

Determinantes del peso de grano en cultivares nativos e híbridos de maíz

“…El suelo en el sitio de estudio correspondió a un arcillo limoso tipo franco (Vertisol Pélico; USDA, soil survey system), y el análisis físico-In some grain crops such as soybeans (Glycine max L.) (Swank and Egli, 1987) and maize (Gambín et al, 2006) it is known that there is a close relationship between the dynamics of dry matter accumulation and water content in grains.…”