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Micro-Kjeldahl Analysis of Cotyledon Sections from Individual Seeds as a Screening Technique in Breeding Soybeans for Protein¹

Micro-Kjeldahl analysis of small (10 mg) sections from the cotyledons of individual seeds of soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) was found suitable for estimating the protein content of whole seeds. A high correlation was obtained between the protein content of the segment analyzed and total protein in the cotyledon (.97). In four varieties ('Clark,' 'Harosoy,' 'Sioux,' and 'T245') protein content of the various seed parts followed the order: cotyledon root-shoot axis >> seed coats. A slight gradient in protein content was observed in the cotyledon with the highest percentage occurring in the region adjacent to the root-shoot axis. After a micro-Kjeldahl analysis of a small segment of the cotyledon the remainder of the seed can be planted. Thus an accurate and "nondestructive" method of analyzing individual seeds is available to the plant breeder. Its usefulness, however, will depend upon the heritability of differences in protein content among individual seeds from heterozygous plants.

Key Words: Glycine max (L.) Merr • Single seed selection

² Graduate student in Plant Genetics, Professor of Plant Genetics, and Professor of Soil Chemistry, respectively, Department of Agronomy, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.

Received for publication August 10, 1968.