Varietal response in seed quality of soybeans grown on SCN-infested and non-infested soils

Abstract

<p>Seed quality is affected by a number of biotic and abiotic stresses during its development and maturation. Soybean [Glycine max(L)] plants grown on soils infested with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) exhibit symptoms of stress similar to those of biotic and abiotic stresses that caused reduced seed quality. The objective of this study, therefore, was to assess varietal response in seed quality of soybeans grown on SCN-infested and non-infested soils. Nine SCN-resistant and three SCN-susceptible varieties were grown on SCN-infested and non-infested soil at Crawfordsville, Iowa, in 2001 and 2002. Harvested seeds were evaluated for quality using percentage deformed seeds, seed weight, standard germination, seedling growth rate, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity tests. The varietal responses in seed quality to SCN infection varied depending on the variety and the growing conditions. Some seed quality factors seemed to be more affected by SCN infection than others. There was no consistent pattern of response for the SCN-resistant varieties in the SCN-infested or the non-infested fields.</p>