Wang Xiyue, Sun Jixuan, Yi Zirui, Dong Shoukun
College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
BMC Plant Biol. 2025 Feb 18;25(1):219. doi: 10.1186/s12870-025-06224-3.
Seed size is an important quality trait in crops and is one of the key factors affecting crop yield; however, how seed size affects growth and physiological differences, stress resistance, and yield characteristics is unclear.
In this study, the effects of different seed sizes on germination, morphology, physiological characteristics, and yield traits of soybean were studied by combining germination, pot, and field experiments using Kenfeng 16 and Heinong 84 varieties.
The germination potential, rate, and index, as well as the vigor index of very small seeds, were significantly lower than those of other seed sizes. Plant height and leaf area followed the order: large > medium > small > very small seeds. Dry matter accumulation in each organ was significantly higher in large seeds than in small seeds. Superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and proline content were highest in large seeds, whereas malondialdehyde content was highest in very small seeds. The SPAD value (an indicator of chlorophyll content) was highest in large seeds, whereas steady-state fluorescence yield and non-photochemical quenching were higher in large and medium seeds. In terms of yield characteristics, the performance of pot experiment was basically consistent with that of field experiment. The number of pods and seeds per plant was in the order of large > medium > small > very small seeds, and no significant differences were observed in plant height, bottom pod height, node number, or internode length. The 100-seed weight and yield of the large seeds were higher than those of the small or very small seeds.
Seeds of different grain sizes have differences in germination, which may be caused by differences in seed vigor. Medium to large seeds showed better growth effects in the field, including morphological parameters, photosynthetic parameters, etc. In addition, medium to large seeds also have better resistance levels and can better adapt to the environment. These factors ultimately lead to higher yields. This study promotes the further development of the production potential of excellent varieties, and provides valuable insights for soybean seed breeding and high-yield cultivation strategies.
种子大小是作物的一项重要品质性状，也是影响作物产量的关键因素之一；然而，种子大小如何影响生长和生理差异、抗逆性及产量特性尚不清楚。
本研究采用垦丰16和黑农84品种，通过发芽试验、盆栽试验和田间试验相结合的方式，研究了不同种子大小对大豆发芽、形态、生理特性及产量性状的影响。
极小种子的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数以及活力指数均显著低于其他种子大小。株高和叶面积表现为：大种子＞中种子＞小种子＞极小种子。大种子各器官干物质积累显著高于小种子。大种子中超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化物酶活性、可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白和脯氨酸含量最高，而极小种子中丙二醛含量最高。大种子的SPAD值（叶绿素含量指标）最高，而稳态荧光产量和非光化学猝灭在大种子和中种子中较高。在产量特性方面，盆栽试验结果与田间试验基本一致。单株荚数和粒数表现为：大种子＞中种子＞小种子＞极小种子，株高、底荚高度、节数或节间长度未观察到显著差异。大种子的百粒重和产量高于小种子或极小种子。
不同粒级的种子在发芽方面存在差异，这可能是由种子活力差异导致的。中到大粒种子在田间表现出更好的生长效果，包括形态参数、光合参数等。此外，中到大粒种子也具有更好的抗性水平，能更好地适应环境。这些因素最终导致更高的产量。本研究促进了优良品种生产潜力的进一步挖掘，为大豆种子育种和高产栽培策略提供了有价值的见解。
