Seed Abortion and Numerical Components of Seed Yield of Soyabean (Glycine max L. Merr.) in Three Contrasting Agroecologies

Abstract

Two trials were conducted to study the components of yield. In one trial three genotypes were planted in three blocks with the objective of studying the dynamics of seeds/pod during seed maturation. Pods were dissected to reveal the developing seed 20 days after flowering (DAF) and at harvesting. In another trial, 14 genotypes were planted in RCBD in three contrasting environments: Bureti, Njoro and Lare with the objective of studying the components of yield. Seeds/pod was significantly different, both at 20 DAF and at harvesting. Although there were more pods at harvesting compared to 20 DAF, 3seeded pods was the mode 20 DAF while the mode was 1-seeded pod at harvesting which may be explained by seed abortion. Seeds/pod was significantly different at the three sites. Yield and its components were highest at Bureti compared with Lare. It is apparent that seeds per pod are influenced by seed abortion.