WATER DEFICIT INFLUENCE ON SEED SIZE AND SOYBEAN SEEDLING VIGOR

Abstract

- Soybcan seeds, cv. IPAGRO 21, originated from tratamento irrigated and nonirrigated, that produced 3689 and 1759 kg/ha of seeds, respectively, were separated by size in three classes. Eighth seven percent of the seeds from irrigated plants had diameter greater than 5.60 mm, while 70% of seeds of nonirrigated plants had diametcr of 4.75 mm. For the same class, the weigth of the seeds from irrigated planto were greater than the weight of the seeds from nonirrigated plants. The cotiledons dry matter decreased proportionaly to the reduction of the seed weight. The relations between the dry matter of tegumento and embryonic axis of the seeds were not proportional to the seed size. The water deficit decreased the seed size and weight, and the seedlings originated from these seeds, at the seventh day of development, were leso vigorous.