Agronomic studies on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) in the dry seasons of the tropics. I. Limits to yield imposed by phenology

Mayers, J.D. and Lawn, R.J. and Byth, D.E. (1991) Agronomic studies on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) in the dry seasons of the tropics. I. Limits to yield imposed by phenology. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 42 (7). pp. 1075-1092.

[img] PDF - Published Version
Restricted to ICRISAT researchers only

Abstract

An analysis was undertaken of the development, growth and seed yield of irrigated soybean crops grown during the dry season of the semi-arid tropics in north-western Australia, to establish yield potentials and identify major climatic or physiological constraints. Ten tropically adapted genotypes were grown at three sowing times, using agronomic management practices designed to maximize productivity and minimize constraints due to water supply, fertility, weeds and insects. In addition to phenology, seed yield, dry matter (DM) accumulation, and seed and plant morphological traits, measurements were made at the beginning and end of flowering of DM accumulation, leaf area development and interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Harvest indices were generally large, but maximum seed yields were only c. 3 t ha-1, apparently because of inadequate biomass production. The analysis of growth and development suggested that DM accumulation during the vegetative phase was limited primarily by cumulative PAR interception by the crop canopy rather than the efficiency of conversion of intercepted PAR. In turn, both cumulative PAR interception, and canopy leaf area development, were constrained by precocious flowering, induced by the comparatively short-day/warm temperature conditions of the dry season. It was concluded that yield improvement strategies for the dry season will need to be based on agronomic and/or breeding strategies to enhance canopy development and improve biomass production.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: The Research reported here was in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the M.Agri.Sci. degree, awarded to the senior of the University of Queensland, and was supported financially by the CSIRO and the Oilseeds Research Committee.
Uncontrolled Keywords: agronomy; cultivars; phenology; soybean; tropics; yield potential.
Author Affiliation: Division of Tropical crops and Pastures, CSIRO, Kimberley Research station, Kununurra, W.A.6743.
Subjects: Plant Production
Soil Science and Microbiology > Soil Sciences
Crop Improvement
Divisions: Soyabean
Depositing User: Mr Balakrishna Garadasu
Date Deposited: 28 Mar 2013 13:37
Last Modified: 28 Mar 2013 13:37
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AR9911075
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/9911

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item