Effect of Storage on Germinability and Composition of Seeds from Different Positions on Soybean Stem Axis

Germination percentage, seedling vigor, oil and protein content were determined in germinating soybean seeds located at different node positions of stem axis. The mature seeds present at the basal nodes showed higher germination percentage, while the vigor index was higher at apical position. Percent germination and vigor index of soybean seeds decreased with storage period of 180 days. The dry matter content of cotyledons and embryonic axis also decreased during storage. The dry matter content in the germinating cotyledons was higher at apical position whereas the dry matter content of embryonic axis did not vary significantly. The oil and protein content of cotyledons and embryonic axis decreased during storage for 180 days at ambient conditions. The oil content of germinating cotyledons was higher in basal as compared to apical nodes at all the storage intervals studied whereas embryonic axis showed more lipids at apical position. The germinating cotyledons showed higher protein content in seeds from apical position and protein content depleted at a faster rate in these seeds. Whereas, protein content of embryonic axis showed a reverse trend.