Seed longevity and its association with agronomic traits in soybean [Glycine max (L.) merrill]

Soybean is an important oilseed crop but it has poor seed longevity. Studies on seed longevity are very complex and hence, an indirect selection criterion should be identified. In this study, seed longevity and its association with agronomic traits of seven soybean varieties was evaluated in the year 2019-2020.

Seed were kept for storage under ambient conditions for a period of 16 months (January 2019 to May 2020). Their germination was recorded at bimonthly intervals and seed longevity was inferred as the time period in months up to which the seed maintains its germination percentage above IMSCS.

Accordingly, Palam Early Soya 1 and Him Palam Hara Soya were classified as having short seed longevity (12 months). Hara Soya, Shivalik, Him Soya and Palam Soya were classified as having medium seed longevity (14 months). Whereas, PS 1556 was classified as having long seed longevity (>16 months). Further, it was found that seed longevity was positively associated with number of pods per plant and seed yield, and negatively associated with number of branches per plant and 100-seed weight. This study presents an indirect selection criterion based on some easily accessible parameters which have strong association with seed longevity.