Effects of genotype and agro-ecological conditions on storability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed
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Date
2017
Authors
Chirchir, Grace J.
Mwangi, Maina
Nyamongo, Desterio O.
Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society for Tropical Plant Research
Abstract
Soybean seed storability in the tropics is especially important due to rapid deterioration
that varies with the environment, genotype and management practices. The objective of this study
was to investigate soybean seed quality during storage as influenced by genotype and agroecological
conditions in Meru South Sub-County, Kenya. Seeds of two commonly grown soybean
genotypes- Gazelle and TGx 1740-2F (SB19) harvested in February 2013 were used to investigate
seed storability. Seed samples (2.5 kg) were stored in gunny bags in a completely randomized
design with three replications, giving a total of 6 experimental units per site. The storage
treatments were set on farm under ambient conditions in two contrasting agro-ecologies: Upper
Midlands II (altitude- 1529 m above sea level; temp.- 18.2–20.6 ºC) at Kirege and Lower
Midlands IV (altitude- 1129 m above sea level; temp.- 21.0–23.5 ºC) at Igambatuntu. Changes in
seed quality were monitored at 0, 123 and 246 days of storage by subjecting them to germination,
electrical conductivity and accelerated aging tests. Data were analyzed using SAS 2009. Results
revealed that smaller-seeded soybean genotype TGX 1740-2F was a better storer seed than larger
seeded Gazelle as shown by a higher vigor at end 246 days (8 months) of storage. In addition, seed
storage environmental conditions significantly influenced the degree of seed deterioration.
Soybean seed stored at cooler Upper Midlands II had greater vigor than that stored at the warmer
Lower Midlands IV agro-ecology. This study concludes that soybean seed deteriorates in storage
and that genotype by environment interaction plays an important role in expression of seed
storability. It is recommended that soybean be stored in the cooler higher agro-ecologies of the
tropics for improved storability.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Soybean, Seed storability, Genotype, Agro-ecology
Citation
Chirchir GJ, Mwangi M, Nyamongo DO & Gweyi-Onyango JP (2017) Effects of genotype and agroecological conditions on storability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed. Tropical Plant Research 4(1): 126–133]