Planting Date and Irrigation Effects on Seed Quality of Early-Maturing Soybean in the Mid-South USA

Abstract

Information is lacking in soybean [Glycine max (L) Merr.] on whether or not variety selection and management practices can improve seed quality in early production systems. Effects of planting date, irrigation, genotype and maturity on seed quality traits in soybean were investigated in Arkansas for two years. Irrigation (I), planting dates (PD), and maturity groups/genotypes (MG/G) significantly affected seed quality traits. The MG/G, followed by I and PD treatments, made the largest contribution to variations in seed quality traits. Irrigation and late planting significantly improved seed standard and cold germination for most maturity groups. Irrigation also tended to increase seed protein content, whereas planting dates had no impact on seed protein and oil content. Both irrigation and Bajaj et al. 213 planting dates had little or no effect on visual seed quality and seed pathogen infection. Maturity group and genotype significantly affected all seed quality traits. Late-maturing genotypes exhibited significantly higher standard and cold germination rate, fewer pathogen-infected seed, and better visual seed quality than early-maturing genotypes. Wide-row spacing improved seed germination. Seed germination and vigor of early-maturing genotypes decreased, whereas those of late-maturity genotypes improved when planting was delayed from April to June. Early-maturing genotypes were more responsive to irrigation when planted late. Significant correlation was found between cold and standard germination with other seed quality traits, including visual seed quality rating, disease-free seeds, and Phomopsisinfected seeds. We demonstrated that variety selection and irrigation were important in achieving high seed quality of early-maturing soybeans.

Natural Variation in Fatty Acid Composition of Diverse World Soybean Germplasms Grown in China

“…In other words, the trend of fatty acid across different MGs observed in this study further highlights that genetic factors play a key role in variation of seed fatty acid constituents among different accessions corresponding to different backgrounds. This assertion that genetic variability is present in soybean seed composition and yield has also been reported by other studies [51,55,56]. The relationship between fatty acid composition and MG is shown in Figure 2A-E. All the fatty acids showed a significant relationship with maturity groups.…”

Planting date, cultivar, seed treatment, and seeding rate effects on soybean growth and yield

“…Seed protein and seed oil concentration were inconsistent among MGs in 2014 and 2016. Research has shown that delaying the planting date can result in no change in the protein content (Bajaj et al., 2008), decreased protein (Muhammad et al., 2009), and increased protein (Mourtzinis et al., 2017; Robinson et al., 2009; Tremblay, Beausoleil, Filion, & Saulnier, 2006). Seed oil concentration on the other hand, generally decreases with delayed planting (Mourtzinis et al., 2017; Robinson et al., 2009).…”

Effect of Planting Date on Soybean Growth, Yield, and Grain Quality: Review

“…Results showing the effect of planting date on protein content were not consistent. Several studies found that protein content stays relatively constant across different planting dates (Tremblay et al, 2006; Bajaj et al, 2008). Other studies conducted by Billore et al (2000) and Muhammad et al (2009) reported decreased protein content with delayed planting, which may be due to decreased seed size.…”