Application of gibberellic acid to the surface of soybean seed (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and symbiotic nodulation, plant development, final grain and protein yield under short season conditions.

摘要

In short-season soyabean production areas, low soil temperature is the major factor limiting soyabean establishment, nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Gibberellic acid (GA) pretreatment of seeds can overcome low soil temperature inhibition of seed germination and seedling development. However, previous studies have found that the application of GAs decreased legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation under optimal growth conditions. In a field experiment conducted under short-season conditions in Quebec, Canada, with soyabeans cv. Maple Glen and AC Bravor, seed treatment with GA3 accelerated seedling emergence but decreased plant nodulation and nitrogen fixation at early plant growth stages. However, these initial negative effects were overcome as the plants developed. GA3 did not influence final seed or protein yield.