Cracks in the Palisade Cuticle of Soybean Seed Coats Correlate with their Permeability to Water

Abstract

The cuticle of the palisade layer is the key factor that determines the permeability property of a soybean seed coat. The cuticle of a permeable seed coat is mechanically weak and develops small cracks through which water can pass. The cuticle of an impermeable seed coat is mechanically strong and does not crack under normal circumstances.