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Interaction of Initial Seed Moisture and Imbibitional Temperature on Germination and Productivity of Soybean¹

This study compared the interaction of seed moisture and imbibition temperature of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to (i) optimum survival and seedling growth, (ii) soaking injury to seeds, (iii) quantity of organic leachates from germinating seeds, and (iv) growth and yield under field conditions.

Thirteen to 14% seed moisture (dry weight basis) was the lowest moisture content resulting in optimum protection against chilling temperatures during imbibition in both ‘Chippewa 64’ and ‘Acme’ soybean varieties. With seed moisture at 5%, exposure to chilling during imbibition or during seed soaking resulted in decreased survival and seedling vigor. The combination of anaerobically soaking 5%-moisture seeds at 5 C was nearly fatal. Transverse cracks and yellowing and browning of cotyledons were observed after cold or warm imbibition of 5 but not 13% moisture seeds. Soaking of 5% moisture seeds increased the visible injury to cotyledons. The loss of survival after soaking low-moisture seeds at 5 C was greater than the additive effects of chilling and soaking. Loss of sugars and ninhydrin positive materials as leachate was primarily a function of cold temperature during imbibition, but 13% initial seed moisture gave little protection against loss of leachates. After a severe reduction in survival from imbibitional chilling of 5% moisture seeds, surviving plants of the Acme variety were shorter, produced fewer fruits and seeds, and yielded less grain and stover under field conditions. Losses were avoided by equilibrating seeds to 13% moisture before imbibition.

Key Words: Chilling injury • Glycine max (L.) Merr.

² Graduate Research Assistant and Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850.

Received for publication March 20, 1972.

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