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Canopy Photosynthesis and its Association with Seed Yield in Advanced Generations of a Soybean Cross
Author(s) -
Ashley D. A.,
Boerma H. R.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1989.0011183x002900040044x
Subject(s) - biology , canopy , photosynthesis , yield (engineering) , horticulture , zoology , botany , agronomy , physics , thermodynamics
Canopy‐apparent photosynthesis (CAP) of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., plants during reproductive development differs among genotypes, is a heritable trait, and is positively associated with seed yield. These responses collectively imply a potential for yield improvement through selection for enhanced CAP. This research was undertaken to: (i) determine if the CAP response patterns of F 4 lines remain relatively stable in F 6 lines, (ii) determine the association CAP to yield and growth characteristics in F 6 lines, and (iii) identify F 6 lines with similar maturity and divergent CAP. The experiments were conducted over a 2‐yr period at Athens, GA under field conditions. A l‐min measurement of CAP was made near mid‐day in all plots for three times during reproductive development by use of a closed system and ambient conditions. Other measurements included plant height, stages of plant development, seed wt., length of seed‐fill period, and seed yield. The upper 50% of the F 4 lines averaged 11% higher in CAP than the lower 50%. The F 6 lines derived from the high CAP F 4 lines were 6% (0.9 μmol CO 2 m −2 s −1 ) higher in CAP than F 6 lines from the low F 4 lines. There was an association between CAP of F 4 lines and the mean of the F 6 lines derived from them (r = 0.64; P < 0.I). A positive association was found between CAP and seed yield (r = 0.28 to 0.66). Pairs of F 6 lines with divergent CAP rates but similar maturity were identified. Results support previous findings that CAP during reproductive development is positively associated with seed yield in determinate soybean genotypes.