1Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, Serbia
2Maize Research Institute “Zemun Polje”, Slobodana Bajica 1, 11185, Belgrade, Serbia
*Corresponding Author: Z. Mamlic, Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Maksima Gorkog 30, Novi Sad, Serbia, Email: zlatica.miladinov@ifvcns.ns.ac.rs
Leaf loss (defoliation) is a common stress in soybean production, caused by both abiotic and biotic factors and it directly affects seed physiological and biochemical processes.
The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (April 2024-November 2025). Defoliation was applied at the vegetative (V1) and reproductive (R1) stages at intensities of 33%, 67% and 100%. Seed quality was evaluated through standard germination tests, cold tests and analysis of lipid peroxidation and free proline levels.
Partial defoliation during the vegetative stage improved germination and reduced the proportion of abnormal seedlings, whereas complete defoliation at flowering decreased seed weight, seedling vigor and cold tolerance. Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and free proline indicated oxidative stress and activation of adaptive mechanisms. Both the intensity and timing of defoliation significantly influence seed quality and physiological resilience, providing valuable insights for the development of management strategies under mechanical and climatic stress conditions.
Defoliation, Seed quality, Soybean, Stress response
