Effect of Seed Size upon Rate of Germination in Soybeans¹

Abstract

Abstract The rate of emergence of near‐isogenic soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines that differed in seed size was measured when germinated in Sharkey clay at moisture levels of 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5, and 30%. Weight per 100 seed of lines used was 9.5 g, 13.6 g, and 22.6 g. No emergence was observed at 20% moisture. The small and medium seed size gave more rapid emergence and greater root development than the large seed at each soil moisture level where germination occurred.