Analysis of soybean germplasm by seed longevity
Aim. Analysis of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) germplasm seed longevity with different biochemical composition for further storage optimization in active collections and during long-term storage. Methods. The content of protein, oil, fatty acid composition (palmitic, palmitic-oleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosenic, behenic) in experimental soybean seed samples was analyzed. The process of accelerated storage aging, storage at –20°C were carried out at original seed moisture content and after additional drying. Laboratory and field indexes of seed germinability, mophophysiological state of seedlings, elements of crop structure were evaluated. Results. The longevity of soybean seed germplasm with different biochemical composition, different degree of drying was determined. The statistical relationship between fatty acid content and germination of soybean seeds in experimental and control variants was established. Conclusions. Drying to 4% seed moisture content extends the longevity of soybean seeds with different biochemical composition. Extra drying should be applied in special modes even for seeds with 7% moisture content. Keywords: germplasm, soybean, storage, longevity, moisture content.